‘An Icon, a Legend, an Incredible Champion’ – Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Other Top Tennis Players Pay Tribute to Manolo Santana

Manuel Manolo Santana was one of the premier tennis players from Spain before the Open Era. He won the French championships twice and the US Championships once. Even though he famously “grass is just for cows”, he won the Wimbledon once, becoming the first Spanish player to do so.

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He, however, passed away last December, at 83 years of age. Recently at the Puente Romano Tennis Club in Marbella, top players and officials from the tennis fraternity paid their tributes to the veteran, known for inspiring many to take up the sport.

Big Three amongst greats paying last tribute to Manolo Santana

The extent of the popularity of the Big Three does not need not be elaborated. For the ceremony organized as a tribute to the Spanish star; the three sent in their condolences on account of not being able to be present there physically.

Novak Djokovic, who is currently in Belgrade, said, “He was an icon, a legend, an incredible champion, I love you Manolo. ” He was joined in the stands by his brother Marko. Rafael Nadal, who is training for the upcoming Indian Wells, had shared a post about Manolo’s sad demise in December. He also sent in his message saying Manolo “has been a pioneer of Spanish sport and marked the way for all of us who came after him.“

Roger Federer also remembered the Spanish legend who he said would go to personally pick him up from the Madrid airport when he would be in town for the Mutua Madrid Open. “I loved meeting him all over the world and especially in Madrid,” he said.

Alex Corretja, a former Spanish tennis player, was the master of ceremonies: “I thought of Manolo and felt joy. And although he is very sad speaking on behalf of Spanish tennis, I would like us to remember him as we all knew him, friendly, joking, close, affectionate, respectful, someone special that marked a time in our career, because thanks to him, many of us are here,” he said.

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Another tennis elite, belonging to Manolo’s generation, Rod Laver, was present there. He remembered their battles on clay. Other legends present there were Björn Borg, Nicola Pietrangeli and Jan Kodes. President of the Spanish Tennis Federation Miguel Díaz was also there along with Manolo’s widow and one of her daughters.