Spanish tennis legend who won four Grand Slam singles titles, including the 1966 Wimbledon championship, and is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Manuel Santana, also known as Manolo Santana, is a Spanish tennis player renowned for his exceptional skills on the court, particularly on grass surfaces. He is most famously known for winning the US Open in 1965 and Wimbledon in 1966, a feat that solidified his position as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Born on May 10, 1938, in Madrid, Spain, Santana's entry into the world of tennis was by chance. He began as a ball boy at a local tennis club, where he was drawn to the game and eventually started playing. His humble beginnings and rise to success are a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Santana's tennis career spanned over two decades, during which he achieved numerous milestones. In 1965, he led Spain to a historic victory over the US in the Davis Cup, becoming a national hero. This triumph was followed by his impressive win at the 1966 Wimbledon lawn tennis championships, where he defeated Dennis Ralston in three straight sets.
After retiring from professional tennis, Santana went on to become the captain of the Spanish Davis Cup team twice, first in the 1980s and again in the mid-1990s. He also organized the Madrid Masters until 2019.
Manuel Santana's contributions to tennis extend beyond his impressive playing career. He has inspired generations of tennis players and has left a lasting impact on the sport. His commitment to promoting tennis in Spain and his involvement in various tennis-related activities have earned him a special place in the hearts of tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
In his own words, Santana once said, "Grass is just for cows," expressing his preference for artificial surfaces. This quote has become an iconic phrase in tennis history, reflecting his unique personality and approach to the game.
Manuel Santana's remarkable tennis career and enduring legacy have cemented his place as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. His inspiring story, on and off the court, continues to captivate tennis enthusiasts around the world.
40 Years Old
A dominant force in men's tennis, winning a record 21 Grand Slam titles and holding the number one ranking for a record 275 weeks. Known for his intense playing style and athleticism.
70 Years Old
A Swedish tennis legend who dominated the sport in the 1970s, winning eleven Grand Slam singles titles, including a record five consecutive Wimbledon championships. He's an iconic figure in tennis history, known for his athleticism, style, and rivalry with John McEnroe.
80 Years Old
A Romanian tennis legend and politician who won numerous titles, including two Grand Slam singles championships, and later served as a senator and mayor. He's a tennis icon and trailblazer in his home country.
73 Years Old
A tennis legend who won eight Grand Slam singles titles and was known for his fiery competitiveness and dominant playing style. He later became a successful coach and sportscaster.
67 Years Old
A tennis legend and outspoken commentator, known for his fiery temper and iconic matches, as well as his current work as a TV analyst and broadcaster.
72 Years Old
A tennis champion and coach who won 25 ATP titles and was a finalist in seven Grand Slam tournaments, known for his charismatic personality and stylish play.
73 Years Old
Argentine tennis legend who won four Grand Slam titles and held the number one ranking, known for his dominant play on clay courts and charismatic on-court presence.
66 Years Old
A dominant force in tennis, winning eight Grand Slam singles titles and holding the number one ranking for 270 weeks. Known for his powerful forehand and innovative training methods.
