The Tennis fraternity is in deep shock after the passing of Spanish legend Manuel Santana. The four-time Grand Slam champion was admired across Spain. Tennis players like Novak Djokovic, Billie Jean King, Carlos Moya, and many more paid homage to the iconic figure.
Even a few stars outside tennis world, such as former Spanish footballer, Iker Casillas, also paid their respect to the tennis player.
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
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Novak Djokovic, Billie Jean King, Carlos Moya and more paid tribute to Manuel Santana
Passing of the former Spanish tennis player, Manuel Santana, has left fans heartbroken. The four-time Grand Slam winner and former World No. 1 left a long legacy behind him.
Tennis players have penned down emotional messages for Manuel Santana. Novak Djokovic took to Twitter to express his condolences.
” 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,” he wrote.
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
The 39-time Grand Slam champion in total, Billi Jean King also conveyed her emotions via a sorrowful post. King quoted, “ 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.”
In addition, more players like Carlos Moya, Alex Corretja, Conchita Martinez, and Anabel Medina paid homage to Manuel Santana.
Día muy triste. Nos ha dejado Manolo, un pionero y leyenda de nuestro deporte. Siempre recordaré lo pícaro, cariñoso y cercano que era. Sus anécdotas quedarán siempre en mi recuerdo. Mi mas sentido pésame a familiares y amigos .💐 pic.twitter.com/4TEoNhi3bN
— Anabel Medina (@anabelmedina) December 11, 2021
Manolo, tu forma de ser, tu sentido del humor, tu amabilidad, tu cercanía, tu cariño y por encima de todo, tu AMISTAD, es algo que nunca olvidaré! Gracias por todos tus consejos y por enseñarme una visión única de la vida! Te echaré mucho de menos, AMIGO 💔! DEP #manolosantana pic.twitter.com/nKAt9bzKCg
— Alex Corretja (@AlexCorretja74) December 11, 2021
✨ Gracias, Manolo, por toda tu bondad, vocación y entrega al tenis. Nos queda tu leyenda. El mundo del tenis ya te echamos de menos. DEP pic.twitter.com/GzzmmeGh73
— Conchita Martínez (@conchitamartinz) December 11, 2021
DEP amigo,grandes momentos compartidos contigo.
Feliz viaje,te echaremos de menos 😥 pic.twitter.com/P0JbNY9CtD— Carlos Moya (@Charlymoya) December 11, 2021
Non-tennis players who remembered Manuel Santana
The Spanish legend was well-known even outside the tennis family. Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Iker Casillas, also wrote an emotional message after the passing of Santana. The former footballer quoted, “ Today we are left by a great of Spanish sports, DEP Manolo Santana”.
Hoy nos deja un grande del deporte español, DEP Manolo Santana pic.twitter.com/ng7S7rDdSv
— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) December 11, 2021
The CEO of Tennis Australia, Craig Tiley was also shocked to know about the sad demise of former Spanish professional players, as he expressed his sorrows.
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Very sorry to learn of the passing of Spanish great Manolo Santana, winner of 4 major singles titles in the ‘60s and a role model to so many who followed from his country.
— Craig Tiley (@CraigTiley) December 11, 2021
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ALSO READ: “Will Never Forget You”: Rafael Nadal Mourns As Legendary Player Manuel Santana Passes Away
