Santana accumulates 72 titles among his merits. It was the largest in Spain until the irruption of Rafael Nadal.
Tennis legend and the first Spaniard to conquer Wimbledon in 1966, Manuel Santana, better known as Manolo Santana, died this Saturday at the age of 83, the Madrid Masters announced in a statement, a tournament of which he was honorary president.
According to the Spanish press, Santana, who suffered from Parkinson’s disease, died in the Andalusian city of Marbella, where he lived.
Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal was quick to pay tribute to him.
“I have just received the terrible news of the passing of our great Manolo Santana. As I have said many times in the past: thank you so much for what you did for our country and for marking the path of so many. You were always a reference, a friend and a person close to everyone. We will miss you Manolo; you will always be unique and special. Greetings to your family and a lot of strength at this time. We will never forget you! ”, The Mallorcan reacted on Twitter.
Other Spanish sports institutions such as Real Madrid and Valencia CF, as well as the President of the Government Pedro Sánchez paid their farewell to the “legend”.
I have just received the terrible news of the passing of our great Manolo Santana. As I have said many times in the past: thank you so much for what you did for our country and for marking the path of so many. You were always a reference, a friend and a person close to everyone.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 11, 2021
Pioneer of tennis and sport in Spain, throughout his career between 1958 and 1979 Manolo Santana conquered Roland Garros twice, in 1961 and 1964, the United States Open in 1965, as well as Wimbledon in 1966.
He was captain of the Spanish team in the Davis Cup between 1980 and 1985, and then between 1995 and 1999.
Very saddened by the news of the death of Manolo Santana, a tennis legend and a great reference to the sport of our country. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
Rest in peace, Manolo ????❤️ pic.twitter.com/6Gez5nRC5o
– Pau Gasol (@paugasol) December 11, 2021
He also won the gold medal in singles and the silver in doubles at the Olympic Games in Mexico, in the return of tennis to the Olympic event as a demonstration sport in 1968.
President and later honorary president of the Madrid Masters 1000, Santana gave his name to the central court of the Caja Mágica de Madrid, the tennis venue in the Spanish capital. (D)
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