Manolo Santana, pioneer and myth of Spanish tennis, has died at the age of 83 in Marbella, where he had established his habitual residence.
He was the one who put this country's racket sport on the map, when he won that first Roland Garros in 1961. Then there would come another title in France (1964), another at the United States Open (1965) and a last great at Wimbledon (1966).
In addition, he conquered 72 tournaments in his entire career and was a two-time Davis Cup finalist (1965 and 1967).
"Manolo was a magician on clay, he hit the ball at the most incredible angles, he drove you crazy with his balloons and spins. And he improved his volley so much that it was dangerous on grass too. He beat me easily a couple of times in Europe, letting me know that he had a lot to learn about clay, "Rod Laver, one of the myths of world tennis, defined it in his day.
He was currently honorary president of the Mutua Madrid Open.
Led by Ion Tiriac, Santana was a fundamental part of making Madrid host one of the most important events on the tennis calendar, by promoting the celebration of the tournament, which next season will celebrate 20 years in the capital of Spain.
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