Spanish legend Manuel Orantes to be inducted to the International Tennis Hall of Fame

Manuel Orantes, the Spanish tennis star of the 1970s and 1980s who captured the 1975 US Open title and played an instrumental role in Spain’s Davis Cup efforts for many years, will be inducted to the International Tennis Hall of Fame this year.

Orantes, 62, who is originally from Granada and now resides in Barcelona, reached the world No. 2 ranking in 1973, and he remained in the year-end world top-10 for five consecutive years. In addition to his notable US Open victory over Jimmy Connors, he was runner up to Bjorn Borg at the 1974 French Open. In all, Orantes won 33 singles titles, and compiled an impressive record of 647-247. He has a career doubles record of 298-155 and won 22 titles.

Orantes was an integral member of the Spanish Davis Cup team from 1967-1980. In his first year playing, 1967, the team advanced to the final, falling to the Australians. In Davis Cup records, Orantes is tied for the most number of years played (14) with Sergio Casal and Manuel Santana. Orantes' Davis Cup career resulted in 60 wins and 27 losses, including 39 singles victories. In 2009, Orantes was presented the Davis Cup Award of Excellence by the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the International Tennis Federation. He was also a member of the victorious Spanish team that won the 1978 World Team Cup. Orantes is the fifth Spanish inductee to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The other Spanish legends who have been inducted are Manuel Alonso, Andrés Gimeno, Arantxa Sánchez -Vicario, and Manuel Santana.