Published 15:26 IST, October 10th 2019
Andres Gimeno, oldest grand slam winner in the Open Era, dies at 82
Andres Gimeno, the oldest grand slam winner in the Open era, dies at 82, informed Spanish Tennis Federation on October 9. Tennis players express condolences.
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Spanish Tennis Federation announced on October 9 that the oldest first-time grand slam champion of the open era, Andres Gimeno has passed away at the age of 82. Gimeno's top achievements include reaching the Australian Open final in 1969, semi-finals in Wimbledon in 1970 and winning Roland Gaross at the age of 34 in 1972. The Spanish Tennis Federation read in a statement on Wednesday that Gimeno was one of the iconic figures of Spanish tennis. The Federation cited prolonged illness as the reason behind the veteran tennis star's death.
'Royal Spanish Tennis Federation expressed condolence to Andres Gimeno's family and relatives on their loss,' read the statement.
Gimeno's splendid career in tennis
Andres Gimeno has 44 titles to his fame. The tennis star represented Spain at the Davis Cup from 1958 to 1960 and 1972 to 1973. He won the World Championship in 1966, beating Rod Laver in five sets and the same tournament in doubles. His other titles include Netherlands Open, the Madison Square Garden's Championship in 1969, the Dakar and Hamburg in 1971 during the period. Earlier, the tennis champion was ranked world No. 6 for 1961 by L'Équipe, and world No. 4 for 1964 by Joe McCauley. For his incredible career in tennis, he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2009.
Tennis stars and organisation pay tribute
Tennis star Rafael Nadal, who now stands at the second rank in the world, took to Twitter to pay tribute to the veteran player. The 12-time Roland Garros champion wrote on Twitter that Gimeno had been a pioneer for the sport in Spain. He further said that news has saddened him. Former Australian tennis player, Rod Laver who was beaten down by Gimeno in World Championships in 1966 also called Andres a great athlete and conveyed condolences to his family. Moreover, various tennis organisations also mourned the loss on their respective Twitter handles.
Acaban de comunicarme la triste noticia del fallecimiento de #AndresGimeno. Sin duda uno de los pioneros del tenis en España y un gran deportista. Un sentido saludo a su familia. D.E.P.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 9, 2019
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Andres Gimeno, a wonderful competitor and champion and friend. Andres inspired so many Spanish players, his legacy is quite astonishing. Farewell mate, you pushed me to be my best. My thoughts are with you and your family. Rocket
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) October 9, 2019
Remembering an accomplished champion and dedicated pioneer of our sport in Spain. His early success and passion for tennis inspired what would become one of the world’s great tennis nations. 🇪🇸
— Tennis Hall of Fame (@TennisHalloFame) October 9, 2019
Our condolences to the family, many friends, and fans of Hall of Famer Andrés Gimeno. pic.twitter.com/nyIoMmgzIp
Andrés Gimeno, Roland-Garros champion in 1972, has passed away today. We would like to express our deepest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/E6g2Jt2YW3
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) October 9, 2019
Our thoughts are with the family of Andres Gimeno who passed away on Wednesday aged 82. Runner-up to @RodLaver at #AusOpen 1969, Gimeno went on to win the French Open in 1972, becoming the oldest @rolandgarros champion in the Open Era - a record that stands today. pic.twitter.com/21G7bKbyjA
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) October 10, 2019
14:34 IST, October 10th 2019