The best tennis player of the 1950s, the Ecuadorian Francisco Olegario Segura Cano, today has his own monument on the Malecón del Salado next to the Guayaquil Tennis Club.
In this way, the Municipality of Guayaquil pays homage to Guayaquil ‘Pancho’ Segurawhich is the only Ecuadorian tennis player in being part of World Tennis Hall of Famea place he entered in 1984.
The President of the Commission and Councillor, Luzmila Nicolaldeindicated that this act is a tribute to great characterswho have made history. “He is one of the greatest tennis players in the world. He was also a teacher of great talents in this discipline. Today, Guayaquil will carry him forever in his heart and in his memory”, he expressed.
The sculpture was made by the artist Cesar Augusto Montalvo, mide 2 m. It comprises two bodies, the monument and the tennis racket, which are cast in fiberglass resin materials.
The tennis player’s sister was at the ceremony to unveil the monument. “I have come from the United States because I did not want to miss this beautiful moment. They pay homage to a worthy, simple and humble man like my brother has always been. I not only love his country, his city, his family, but when he could he helped his compatriots, “he said. Eleanor Segura Cano.
THE LEGEND OF PANCHO SEGURA
Segura born June 20, 1921 y passed away on November 18, 2017at 96 years old.
I barely had 1.67 meters tallin a sport in which men usually measure more than 1.80, and yet today he is a tennis legend.
He won three times US Pro Championshipsthe equivalent at that time to US Open. She also won three world titles in singles and two in doubles. In addition, he was the first Latin American to be number one in the world, among 1950 y 1952.
“Pancho”, as he is known, won 17 titles between professionals and amateurs.
His passion for tennis was forged thanks to his work as a passer-by at the Guayaquil Tennis Club, where his father worked. He then became the sparring partner for the club and soon took off with unexpected speed.
