Image Courtesy:ITF/Twitter
Tennis player Manuel Santana Martinez, also known as Manolo Santana, in 1965 was ranked as the amateur world No. 1 by Ned Potter and in 1966 by Lance Tingay. Santana has Died at the age of 83 on Saturday. He was the Four-time titleholder of Grand Slam Singles. As well as the winner of the ITF Philippe Chatrier Award.
Santana was the first Spaniard, who in 1961 at French Championship achieved a major title. The Tennis Fraternity Condoles demise of Manuel Santana, one of the greatest sporting heroes of Spain.
Tributes led by Rafael Nadal on social media, saying, “As in the past I mentioned many times, thank you so much for creating the path for so many and your work for our country. For everyone, you were always a close person, a reference, and a good friend.”
Te echaremos de menos Manolo; serás siempre único y especial. Un saludo a tu familia y mucha fuerza en estos momentos.
Nunca te olvidaremos! #manolosantana #santana #tenis #tennis #DEP pic.twitter.com/zKC2VejhHL— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 11, 2021
Billie Jean King paid his Condolences on his Twitter handle and mentioned the time when Santana win the Wimbledon singles title in 1966. The same year Billie Jean at the All-England Lawn Tennis Club also won her first title.
The great Manolo Santana has passed away.
He & I won our 1st #Wimbledon singles titles in 1966 (he was the first Spanish man to win the title). We danced the 1st dance at the Ball.
He loved the sport, & we shared many conversations over the years.
Condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/spGkz300m1
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) December 11, 2021
Novak Djokovic, who world number one as well as 20 times major Champion. Wrote in his Twitter that, he was heartbroken to get the news about Santana. And paid his deepest condolence and prayers to his family and everyone who loved him. He thanked him for paving the way. Djokovic ended by writing, “Santana will always be missed and celebrated. Rest in Peace Legend.”
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! #manolosantana pic.twitter.com/yD9133duQj
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) December 11, 2021
