Andres Gimeno

[Xavier G]

Originally Posted by FedericRoma83

Santana won a great Torneo Godò in 1970, it was a sort of clay major tournament in that season. But I agree with you, if we take their overall results in the Open Era, Gimeno was clearly superior, and his 1972 French title was still a great one, even if it was depleted, because he had to beat some strong players to win it (Stan Smith in particular).

Torneo Godo, was that the famous Barcelona clay court tournament by any chance?

[FedericRoma83]

Originally Posted by Xavier G

Torneo Godo, was that the famous Barcelona clay court tournament by any chance?

Yes, it's that one. In 1970 for some reason it was greater than any other tournament on european red clay... it was the only one with a certain prestige to be played by both independents and WCT players.

[Limpinhitter]

Originally Posted by FedericRoma83

Santana won a great Torneo Godò in 1970, it was a sort of clay major tournament in that season. But I agree with you, if we take their overall results in the Open Era, Gimeno was clearly superior, and his 1972 French title was still a great one, even if it was depleted, because he had to beat some strong players to win it (Stan Smith in particular).

Beating Stan Smith on clay wasn't that great a challenge. Smith was great on grass and carpet. He was much less effective on slower hard courts and clay.

[FedericRoma83]

Originally Posted by Limpinhitter

Beating Stan Smith on clay wasn't that great a challenge. Smith was great on grass and carpet. He was much less effective on slower hard courts and clay.

But he was on top form, while Gimeno was well past his prime. Moreover, he defeated Proisy, who reached the final beating in sequence Kodes and Orantes.
I really can't understimate his 1972 FO title. It was a kind of refund for having been the no. 1 clay court player in the mid 60's, when nobody was looking at professional tennis...

[kiki]

Originally Posted by FedericRoma83

Yes, it's that one. In 1970 for some reason it was greater than any other tournament on european red clay... it was the only one with a certain prestige to be played by both independents and WCT players.

Santana beat Laver in straight sets in a one´s man show.Laver was the nº 1 of the era.

[kiki]

Originally Posted by Xavier G

Right, Kiki, so we can say Gimeno was better in the Open era, or had better results.

Yes, I´d pick Santana from 1960 to 1964 and Gimeno from 1965-1969 or 1970.It was even, tough.