"Thank you dear Manolo" - Djokovic pays tribute to Manolo Santana

Novak Djokovic paid tribute to Manolo Santana with a heartfelt message after the Spanish tennis legend passed away.

Manolo Santana was a popular figure in his native Spain due to his success on the tennis court yet the legend knew many players very well. Every time there was a big tennis event in Spain, Santana could be seen on the stands watching closely. He watched Novak Djojokovic many times both in Spain and outside of Spain. He called himself a Djokovic fan and admirer and after he passed away Djokovic paid tribute to him.

The Serbian wrote a heartfelt message on Twitter:

"Heartbreaking to just get the news about Manolo Santana. Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to his family and all who loved him, which is so many. Thank you dear Manolo for paving the way, you will be missed and celebrated always! Rest In Peace legend!"

It's a nice gesture by Djokovic who knew Santana well. They spotted many times talking after Djokovic finished his matches that Santana was in attendance for. Djokovic is not the only player who paid tribute to Santana as many others did the same. Rafael Nadal was one of them with the Spaniard recording a special message for the commemoration of Santana.