Manuel Alonso was born on November 12, 1895 in San Sebastian, Spain. He is not only known as one of Spain’s greatest players, he is widely known as the first Spanish tennis player who gained international stature. Alonso did not only make his country proud by winning numerous titles, rather it was his performances and victories in Grand Slam events that elevated Spain’s ranking in tennis. Manuel Alonso won the Wimbledon in 1966 and the US Championships in 1965. He beat international tennis players the likes of Zenzo Shimidzu in what would be remembered as a terrific battle. However, Alonso only came close to the finals as he lost to tennis player, Babe Norton, in a tense battle.
Manuel resided in the United States for several years. During his stay in the 1920s, he became a US Championships quarterfinalist in the years 1922, 1923, 1925 and 1927. He was even included in the US Top Ten rankings in the years 1925, 1926, 1927 and reaching as high as number 2 in the year 1926. Consecutively for three years in 1925 to 1927, Alonso was included in the World Top Ten rankings. He was ranked as high as number 5 in 1927.
He made several highlights during his professional career. His Grand Slam record included that of becoming a Wimbledon All-comers finalist in 1921 and a French semi-finalist also in the same year. Alonso was also a member of the Davis Cup Spanish Team for the years 1921-22, 1924-25, 1931 and 1936.
Alonso would always be remembered as a dark-haired five-foot and nine inch, right handed tennis player. He entered the Hall of Fame in 1977 for his outstanding performance in the sport. He died on October 11, 1984 in Madrid.
