MY ACCOUNT
Spanish tennis great Manolo Santana, a four-time grand slam winner, has died at the age of 83.
Santana won the US Open, Wimbledon and the French Open twice during the 1960s, during which time he spent a period as world number one.
He also won the men’s singles tennis tournament at the 1968 Olympics, though it was not recognised as a medal event at the time, while also winning the French Open men’s doubles in 1963 and the Davis Cup with Spain on three occasions.
Santana retired in 1977 and in more recent times was regularly seen watching countryman Nadal – the only Spaniard to have won more grand slam titles – from the stands.
Nadal led the tributes to Santana on Saturday with an emotional post on social media.
“I have just received the terrible news of the death of our great Manolo Santana,” he wrote on his official Instagram account.
“As I have said many times in the past: thank you very much for what you did for our country and for leading the way for so many.
“You have always been 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.”
