EX-WIMBLEDON champion Manolo Santana has died aged 83, with Rafa Nadal leading the tributes.
Santana was the first Spaniard to win SW19 – in 1966 – and also claimed two French Opens crowns and the US Open title.
The father-of-five’s lawyer Marcos Garcia-Montes said the Madrid-born legend died at his home in the Costa del Sol, Marbella, on Saturday after heart failure.
Fellow Spanish tennis hero 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!”
Santana stunned Wimbledon in England’s summer of World Cup joy by upsetting American Dennis Ralston 6–4 11–9 6–4 in the final.
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
He was also Spain’s first French Open winner, triumphing at Roland Garros in 1961 and 1964, on top of his 1965 US Open success.
Santana married four times, having three children with his first wife, another with his second and fathering a daughter inbetween.
He married Colombian Claudia Ines Rodriguez, 20 years his junior, in 2014.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/tennis/andy-murray-parts-ways-with-coach-and-pal-jamie-delgado-in-backroom-shake-up-ahead-of-australian-open
