Being one of the best in the sport that is practiced is not easy, as well as being recognized as one of the best by the public, requires a lot of effort, dedication and hard work. They abide by these rules and they did well. They are the 10 best Spanish tennis players in history. And we are going to introduce them to you.
Despite the fact that Spain did not see the best tennis players in the world grow for a long time, some outstanding figures began to emerge as early as the 1960s and 1970s. However, from our point of view, the great leap in quality in the history of Spanish tennis occurred in the 1990s, being direct heirs to the legacy of that first generation of more widespread success (and not so punctual anymore). We see?
10. Manuel Alonso de Areyzaga
He may be one of the least known Spanish tennis players, but he was the first inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame and a true pioneer in the sport.
Of the Spanish tennis players, it is the first to be recognized internationally. But he was also the first to form, together with the Count of Gomar, a Spanish team for the Davis Cup. From a very young age, thanks to his father, he showed great interest in sports, also showing good performance in rowing, skiing and field hockey.
9. Andres Gimeno
He is one of those references that we call “punctual” of Spanish tennis. He won the Roland Garros in 1972 at the age of 34, achieving the record of being the oldest player among all the winners. In 2009 he entered the Tennis Hall of Fame (Only 6 Spanish players are in that select group, 4 men and 2 women).
His father also has a fundamental role behind the key to his success, being one of the first professional tennis coaches in the country, of course, he was the one who introduced and encouraged him to practice the sport.
8. Sergio Bruguera
It was the model to follow or the reference for Spanish men’s tennis during the 90s, largely because it was the only one who managed, after Manuel Orantes in 1975, to win a Grand Slam.
It was Olympic medalist also and his strength was, above all, the clay, achieving twice the win at Roland Garros.
7. Alex Corretja
Captain of the Spanish Davis Cup teamthis Barcelona tennis player reached two Roland Garros finals and managed to win a Masters Tournament. However, his role as captain was later (2012 – 2013), he also participated as a member of the Spanish tennis team that won the first Davis Cup in the history of our country in the year 2000. Only one year before becoming champion he became number 2 in the ATP ranking (year 1999).
6. David Ferrer
Maybe it’s another one best spanish tennis players of recent times, his figure, in fact, seems to have been somewhat overshadowed by the prominence of Nadal. Why do we say it? The data clearly shows it, Ferrer is, in fact, the third Spanish with more titles in historyonly behind two greats like Orantes and Nadal.
His style is warrior and gladiator ethic, which made him a true certainty on all surfaces and tournaments in which he participated. Currently is Zverev’s coach.
5. Manuel Orantes
It is, without a doubt, one best spanish tennis players and has become a milestone until the beginning of the new millennium, when new athletes entered the scene. He reached 35 finals and managed to win 33 individual titles and in 2012 his career was recognized by entering the Tennis Hall of Fame.
The milestone was marked specifically in 1975, defeating Jimmy Connors himself (one of the best in history) in the final of the US Open, a real surprise, considering that Connors was the ultra favorite in that duel.
4. Carlos Moya
Finalist of two Grand Slams and winner of a Roland Garrosalso managed win three Masters Series, is known lately for being Rafael Nadal’s coach since 2016. He captained Spain in the 2014 Davis Cup and reached the top spot in the ATP in 1999, which he held for two weeks. It is important the “turn” that he gives in 2006 after having left the group of the best 20 of the ATP ranking when he changes coach and climbs positions thanks to a more aggressive style.
3. Juan Carlos Ferrero
Winner of 16 ATP titles and finalist of three Grand Slamswinning one of them (the Roland Garros) even managed to be as number one in the ATP ranking in 2003 for 8 weeks. He is a player who stands out on clay courts, although he can adapt to any type of surface, in fact, the tennis player himself has recognized it. Also, his style is usually defined as aggressive.
2. Manuel “Manolo” Santana
He stood out for being a true pioneer of the sport in our country (in the 60s), in fact, he was the first who could win a grand slam, coming to win a total of throughout his career. Undoubtedly, until the arrival of Rafa Nadal, just because of his great historical contribution, he should be considered one of the best in Spain. He had been the only one who had won a Wimbledon title, however, he won it in the amateur category.
1. Rafael Nadal
Rafa, fresh from obtaining 1,000 victories in the Open Era very recently, is one of the most successful tennis players in history: he has 19 grand slams to his credit, highlighting his 12 victories in the French Open which, however, is usually the “weak point” of many of the best in history. Total, has won 80 titles in his career and has been Olympic medalist; His style of play stands out for being particularly agile and powerful, like few others. He is undoubtedly a living legend.
Do you want to meet others great tennis players in history? Well, do not miss this other post where we talk precisely about this.