10 Facts About Lea Pericoli

Lea Pericoli was an Italian tennis player and later television presenter and journalist from Milan.

Lea Pericoli reached the last sixteen of the French Open twice and the Wimbledon Championships three times, and is famous for her choice of clothing.

Lea Pericoli reached the fourth round of Wimbledon three times in 1965,1967, and 1970.

Lea Pericoli made her Fed Cup debut for Italy in its inaugural year, 1963, and represented Italy in nine years of the competition, winning 8 of her 16 singles matches and 7 of her 14 doubles matches.

Lea Pericoli partnered with Silvana Lazzarino to reach five women's doubles finals in six years at the Italian International Championships, with four of those coming in consecutive years.

In 1955, Lea Pericoli played at the Wimbledon Championships wearing clothes designed by Ted Tinling.

Lea Pericoli's clothing generated so much interest in later years, that it was kept secret until her appearances on the court.

Lea Pericoli was popular on Italian television in the 1970s, presenting the programs Paroliamo and Caccia al Tesoro in addition to commentating tennis.

Lea Pericoli wrote the autobiographical book Maldafrica, published in Italian in 2009.

Lea Pericoli was awarded the Fed Cup Award of Excellence in 2007.