He was a Roland Garros champion who lost everything in crisis but got huge help from Rafael Nadal

When it comes to Spanish tennis, Rafael Nadal is the undisputed face of the sport. Yet, legends like Carlos Moyá, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and current star Carlos Alcaraz owe a debt of gratitude to trailblazers like Manuel Santana and Andrés Gimeno. While Santana is often spotlighted, Gimeno’s name carries immense weight, especially after his breakthrough in the 60s and 70s.

Born on August 3, 1937, in Barcelona, Gimeno began his tennis journey in the amateur era. By the late 1950s, he had already made his mark, claiming Spanish championships in 1957 and 1959. His prowess took him to the 1960 Roland Garros doubles final, where he partnered with José Luis Arilla but fell short against the legendary Roy Emerson and Neale Fraser.

The Open Era began in the late 60s, transforming the sport. In 1969, Gimeno reached the Australian Open final, falling to Rod Laver. However, his crowning moment came in 1972, when he lifted the Roland Garros trophy after defeating Frenchman Patrick Proisy in four sets.

Gimeno’s peak performance came in the early 70s, where he claimed five Open Era titles, including Hamburg (1971), and Los Angeles, Eastbourne, and Gstaad in 1972, alongside his iconic win at Roland Garros. His doubles career also flourished, reaching the 1968 US Open final with Arthur Ashe.

Life after tennis: Coaching, commentary, and crisis

Gimeno retired in 1973, opening the Club de Tenis Gimeno near Barcelona the following year. He also coached Spanish and Swiss players and became a beloved tennis commentator. Additionally, he authored Máster en Tenis, a book sharing his expertise.

However, the 2008-2009 global financial crisis devastated Gimeno, who had invested heavily in real estate. By 2011, his financial struggles became public. “Three failed investments. I’m in a delicate situation,” Gimeno admitted, citing the economic impact of Spain’s switch to the euro.

Rafael Nadal to the rescue

In October 2011, the Spanish Tennis Federation organized a benefit event to support Gimeno. Rafael Nadal, alongside Spain’s Davis Cup team, took center stage. Nadal’s dedication was heartfelt: “I’ll do anything for Andrés. He comes first”. The event was a resounding success, providing financial relief and a touching display of solidarity from fans and peers alike.

Final years and legacy

Gimeno was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2009 and worked as a commentator for Roland Garros in 2012. Unfortunately, his health declined as he battled cancer, passing away on October 9, 2019, at age 82.

Andrés Gimeno’s journey from a Grand Slam champion to a man facing immense hardship—and ultimately being uplifted by the tennis community—cements his place as a true legend of the sport.