MADRID, 4 May. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Caja Mágica welcomed this Wednesday the distinction to Manolo Santana, who died on December 11, 2021, as Favorite Son of Madrid, after Rafa Nadal’s debut with victory in the current edition of the Mutua Madrid Open.
The Manolo Santana court full after witnessing Nadal’s first match was the scene of Santana’s appointment, posthumously, as a notable figure among the people of Madrid. The Plenary Session of the Madrid City Council, on April 26, 2022, unanimously agreed to grant this distinction.
Born in Madrid in 1938, Santana was champion of four ‘Grand Slams’, and entered the history of Spanish sport for his successes and for being a pioneer for this sport in Spain in his professional era. The Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, presented the distinction to Mrs. Claudia Rodríguez, widow of Manolo Santana.
Unanimous applause wrapped up an emotional ceremony, where images have been projected to honor the memory of the legend Santana, who accompanied this Madrid tournament in recent years as honorary president, after being director.