On December 12, Beijing time, Spanish tennis trailblazer Manolo Santana died at the age of 83.
In the 1960s, the legend won four Grand Slam singles titles.
In 1961, he defeated defending champion Nicolas Pitrangili in the French Open final with an anxious score of 5 sets, becoming the first Spaniard to win the French Open.
Coincidentally. Three years later, in 1964, Santana beat his old rival again to win his second French Open title of his career.
In addition, at the 1965 US Open and the 1966 Wimbledon, the Spaniard won two more Grand Slams. The number of career Grand Slams increased to 4, except for one Australian Open.
In 1984, Santana was officially inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
"It's generally hard for talented players to achieve a lot in the professional arena, but Santana is one of the few players who can get paid off," Gene Scott said at Santana's funeral. ”
When his predecessor died, Nadal heard about it and immediately expressed his admiration on social media.
"You will always be a unique being." Nadal writes, "As I have said many times in the past, thank you very much for all that you have done for our country and for opening the way for others." You have always been my role model, friend and close friend. ”
In addition, Muguruza also posted on social media pictures to express his longing.
The two-time Grand Slam winner said: "For everyone in Spanish tennis, you have been our pioneer. You were so amiable and we will always miss you. ”
The king and prime minister of Spain echoed Nadal's views, calling Santana a "legend.".
King Felipe VI tweeted: "Some people become legends and make the country great. Manolo Santana is one of the legends. ”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: "He has won the French Open, US Open and Wimbledon, as well as an Olympic gold medal, and is one of the best athletes in our country. ”
In addition to the Spanish mourning of the deceased, women's tennis star Billy Jane King also posted articles remembering this former friend.
It is reported that at Wimbledon in 1966, the two players won the Wimbledon men's and women's singles titles.
"The great Manolo Santana has passed away, he was the first player in Spanish history to win a Grand Slam. Remembering that in 1966 we danced together at the post-championship ball, it seemed that it happened yesterday. (Source: Tennis House Author: Wu Li Fun)