Local government officials in Marbella have announced two days of mourning will take place to mark the death of Manolo Santana who was fondly known as their ‘adoptive son’ in the region.
Santana, who was the first Spaniard in history to win a Grand Slam title, passed away on December 11th aged 83. He was a trailblazer in tennis during the 1960s where he won four four major titles. He won the French Open twice, the 1965 US Open and Wimbledon the following year.
It was Santana’s mixed feelings about playing on the grass which led to one of the most memorable quotes which has been repeated by other players since then. He once said that ‘grass was for cows’ prior to his triumphs in America (which was held on grass during the 1960s) and Wimbledon. Originally a dedicated clay court specialist, he changed his focus to another surface after gaining in the belief that he had what it take to beat who he described as the ‘anglo-Saxons.’ In 1966 he even skipped the French Open in order to focus on Wimbledon. The change started to occur after a Davis Cup tie in Barcelona where he led Spain to victory over America in 1965. Triggering a surge of interest in the sport across his country.
“Wimbledon was the biggest of the four,” Santana told The Independent in 1966. “I hope you will agree with me, this is the one all the players want to win. This is why I feel very sorry for the great players like Ken Rosewall, Ilie Nastase, and Ivan Lendl who never won Wimbledon. I am very happy I did it once.”
Santana was introduced into the International Tennis Hall of Fame back in 1984. According to his official bio, he won 16 tournament singles titles and 73 as both an amateur and professional. He won the 1963 French Nationals doubles trophy with Roy Emerson and a silver medal in doubles at the 1968 Olympics when tennis was an exhibition/demonstration sport. He also reached the No.1 spot during his career.
In his later life Santana lived in Marbella for more than three decades and was awarded one of the town’s highest honours in 2018. He received the award for being “a model of responsibility, prudence, humility, professionalism, education, integrity and generosity, as well as an example of contribution to society “.
Past and present players pay tribute
An outpouring of tributes has occurred following the death of Santana. Besides being an inspiration for many players in his native Spain, he was also an influential figure in securing the Madrid Open which he was the former tournament director and later an honorary president. Rafael Nadal credits his compatriot for helping pave the way for tennis in Spain.
“I have just received the terrible news of the passing of our great Manolo Santana,” Nadal wrote on social media. “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,” he added.
Novak Djokovic said he was ‘heartbroken’ upon hearing the news of Santana’s death. He spoke with Santana during the Madrid Open on multiple occasions and the former player would even attend press conferences. In the media room, he even had his own designated seat.
”Heartbreaking to just get the news about Manolo Santana. Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to his family and all who loved him, which is so many. Thank you dear Manolo for paving the way, you will be missed and celebrated always! Rest In Peace legend,” Djokovic wrote.
Billie Jean King won her first Wimbledon title during the same year as Santana won his and the two danced the first dance at the 1966 ball. On Twitter King commented that the Spaniard ‘love the sport and we shared many conversations over the years.’
Rod Laver, who achieved the calendar Grand Slam in 1962 and 1969, paid tribute to the ability of his ‘good friend’ who he described as a clay-court maestro with heavy topspin and fighting spirit.
It isn’t just the world tennis who has paid tribute. Spain’s king Felipe VI and prime minister Pedro Sanchez both described Santana as a ‘legend.’
