(AP) — Manuel “Manolo” Santana, who reached No. 1 in the tennis rankings and was the first man from Spain to win a Grand Slam singles title, has died. He was 83.
The Madrid Open announced the death of its honorary president on Saturday. No cause of death was given.
Santana won four major singles championships: at the French Open in 1961 and 1964, at the U.S. Open in 1965 and at Wimbledon in 1966, the same year he reached the No. 1 ranking. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984.
Rafael Nadal posted on social media:
“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!”
Source: AP
Lovely tribute by Rafa and much respect for a man who put Spanish tennis on the map.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Santana. I will cherish your autograph like Rafa’s.🙏
Mr.Santana loved Rafa. Rafa loved him as well. May he Rest In Peace.
Mary Lynn
Oh that’s very sad news. He was a huge fan of Rafa and vice versa. He will be missed by Spain and tennis world wide. RIP❤️
Sad news. RIP.
Sad news. Nice tribute from Rafa.