He was a four-time Grand Slam champion and Rafael Nadal's Idol, whose heir performed a family scandal

Born on May 10, 1938in Madrid, Manolo Santana The introduction to tennis was carried out under unusual circumstances. Tennis came from a modest background and was considered elite sports at the time, but his fascination for the game grew while working as a ball boy.

Santana said about his early years and once told El Español: “I saw men play in pants. It fascinated me immediately. I started as a ball boy and then started playing. In the end I am an example of humility in an elite world”.

Santana's undeniable talent broke through the barriers of his time. Next to Andrés GienoHe helped to put the Spanish tennis on the global map and to achieve remarkable success in an era with limited resources and opportunities for players from his country.

Historical titles and pioneering successes

In 1961 Santana claimed his first Grand Slam Title at Roland GarrosA performance that he repeated in 1964. His achievements paved the way for future Spanish legends like Carlos Moyá, Juan Carlos Ferrero and paved Rafael Nadal.

In 1965 Santana triumphed about the US Open and made the story the following year, by being the first Spaniard, he won Wimbledon– an extraordinary performance for the time. Santana also received a gold medal at the Mexico City Olympics from 1968, although tennis was then classified as an exhibition sport.

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A lifelong commitment to tennis

After retiring in the 1970s, Santana continued to contribute as captain of Davis Cup and as organizer for the Madrid Open in the 1980s and 1990s. His legacy was continued with the naming of the center of the tournament in his honor. He also founded the Manolo Santana Rackets Club in Marbella, who was managed by the son of his last wife Claudia Rodríguez.

An emotional farewell

Santana died on December 11, 2021 at the age of 83 due to heart failure. His death caused tributes from all over Spain, also from King Felipe VIwho “described” as “as” described “Legend that the country made proud”.

Rafael Nadal's warm words emphasized Santana's permanent effect: “Thank you for everything you did for our country and that you have opened the way for so many. They have always been a role model, a friend and a close figure for everyone”.

Former tennis great Manolo Santana (L) and Rafael Nadal hold a racket won by Santana in the year in which he won the Wimbledon championships. (Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

Family drama about his inheritance

Despite his professional success, Santana's personal life made headlines, especially after his death. Married four times, he had five children, including one from an out -of -marital relationship. In his last marriage to Claudia Rodríguez, she and her son took control of the Marbella tennis club.

Part of Santana's inheritance was divided among his children equally, while the rest went into the club and triggered disputes under his heirs. This department led to public conflicts about his property and gives the legacy of a man who was celebrated as one of the largest sporticons in Spain, a layer of complexity.