We’re meeting Manolo Santana at his leisure complex in Marbella, Racquets Club, on a beautiful, sunny day in May.
Tell us, how long have you been in this wonderful area of Marbella?
37 years – and will be for the rest of my life.
What was it that brought you here?
The friendliness of the Andalusian people, as well as the guarantee of good weather – it’s sunny practically all the time.
At what age did you hold a racquet for the first time, and where was it?
At the age of 10, at the Velázquez Club in Madrid.
What were your beginnings in the world of tennis like?
Difficult, as it was an elitist sport, and my family was very humble. But thanks to my mother and the Girón family, they made it possible for me to play.
Who do you remember most fondly from those early days?
My mother. She was indisputably the person behind what I was, and what I still am.
It’s said that, thanks to you, the Spanish got their love of tennis. What would you say to that?
People didn’t know if the ball was square or round, and I had the opportunity to play for Spain all over the world, so that’s how the passion for this sport started.
What was your first triumph in tennis, and how do you remember it?
The first Children’s Tournament in Madrid.
How old were you?
I was 10, I dedicated it to my mother, my lifelong heroine.
How many Grand Slams have you won in your extensive career?
4 Grand Slams, 2 Roland Garros, 1 Wimbledon, 1 US Open and 1 Grand Slam doubles.
If you had to choose one Grand Slam, which would it be?
Wimbledon, the cathedral of tennis. Any tennis player’s dream.
How many titles have you achieved in your career?
There are many, a whole lifetime… The number of titles doesn’t matter, dedication and passion are the guiding forces in my life.
For Manolo Santana, who is currently the most complete tennis player?
There’s no such thing. Each player has something special… but indisputably, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Nova Djokovic are excellent.
Do you have in mind any pending commitments to surprise us with?
I don’t have any. My motto is always to keep moving forward with humility and respect.
Do you still play tennis, and how often?
I play tennis and train in the gym 6 times a week, when I’m in Marbella.
What advice would you give an emerging player?
Discipline, perseverance and NEVER EVER give up.
What would you highlight about your life in Marbella?
It’s paradise, it has everything. The people, the climate, the diversity of nationalities, where everyone feels like family.
MARBELLA IS HOME FOR ALL OF US
Interview by: Rafa Barrios
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