Orantes To Be Inducted Into International Tennis Hall of Fame

Spaniard Manuel Orantes, the 1975 US Open champion, will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, on 14 July, in Newport, Rhode Island.

"Manuel Orantes' 1975 US Open victory is in the books as one of the most impressive in tennis history," said Tony Trabert, 1970 Hall of Famer and Chair of the Enshrinee Nominating Committee.

"That achievement, as well as his many other victories, and his leadership as a dedicated Davis Cup player for Spain, make him a true legend of tennis. He is well deserving of induction to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. We look forward to celebrating with Manuel at the induction ceremony in July, along with honouring the additional inductees, the remainder of whom will be announced shortly."

The 62-year-old Orantes, who is originally from Granada and now resides in Barcelona, reached the No. 2 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings in 1973, and he remained in the year-end 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 Roland Garros in 1974. 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 (l. to Australia). In Davis Cup records, Orantes is tied for the most number of years played (14) with Sergio Casal and Manuel Santana. He compiled a 60-27 record in Davis Cup rubbers (including 39 singles victories).

Orantes is the fifth Spanish inductee to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The other Spanish legends who have been inducted are Manuel Alonso, Andres Gimeno, Arantxa Sanchez -Vicario and Manuel Santana.