Manolo Santana, a benchmark on and off the track

Tennis was discovered to us by an exceptional tennis player, a great person, a humble man of origin and way of being throughout his life, “a lucky guy”, Manolo Santana. He was the pioneer in Spain of the great international triumphs of the sport of racket, with victories in many tournaments, highlighting two Roland Garros, a US Open and the most remembered success, his victory in Wimbledon in 1966. Real Madrid not only is he the most European cups Y Champions It has won, 13, it is also the only football club, whose shield has been worn on the chest by a tennis player in a final and when lifting the Wimbledon champion, Manolo Santana. He was the first Spaniard who managed to win that tournament, the oldest and most prestigious. And 28 years passed until Conchita Martinez He won it in the female category and no less than 44 years until Nadal, by the way also a madridista, will raise his first glass in the All England Club.

The Mutua Madrid Open, ATP Master 1.000 Y WTA 1.000, is the most important tournament played in Spain and one of the best in the world. Bring it to Madrid it was a hit of the mayor Alvarez del Manzano and of Ignacio del Rio. Since the first tournament, 2002, until today, it has been improving and growing as a sporting, social and economic event. The Madrid City Council, Mutua Madrileña, the business vision of Ion Tiriac (until recently owner of the tournament) and the great professionalism and efficiency in the management of Gerard Tsobanian have contributed to the success of the tournament. But the soul of the Mutua Madrid Open, the image of the tournament, was its sports director, Manolo Santana. He lived it and felt it with intensity, together with the great stars and the best Spanish tennis generation, whom he always cared for with his experience and closeness. A pleasure to hear you speak, with that sincere smile, about tennis, football or life.

Feliciano lopez He is the great signing to continue the fantastic work of a legend. We will see other tennis players, there will be news, but some things will not change. The finals in Madrid will continue to be played on the central court of the stadium which, by decision of the locals, bears the name of Manolo Santana.