Topic: Manuel Santana

Manuel Martínez Santana, best known as Manolo Santana, (born May 10, 1938) is a former tennis champion from Spain. He was born in Madrid.

In 1965, Santana, who had begun his career as a ball boy and "picked up" the game, led Spain to unexpected victory over the U.S. in the Davis Cup, and he became a national hero, receiving the public approval of the Spanish leader, General Franco. Despite his previous Grand Slam successes in the French Championships (1961, 1964) and the U.S. Championships (1965), Santana's win at the 1966 Wimbledon lawn tennis championships was a surprise, where he defeated the sixth seed R.D. Ralston 6–4, 11-9, 6–4. This was his last Grand slam title. His last major win was in 1970 by winning Barcelona where he defeated Rod Laver 6–4 6–3 6–4. He also captured the doubles title in Barcelona that year when he teamed with L. Hoad to defeat R. Laver/A. Gimeno 6–4 9–7 7–5. He was named to the Hall of Fame in 1984.

At the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, Santana won the Gold Medal in Singles, tennis being only a demonstration sport as in 1984.