The accolade is the ITF's highest honour and is named after a former President of the governing body. 

It was introduced in 1996 to award individuals or organisations that have made significant contributions to tennis both on and off the court.

Santana, a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, is widely considered a pioneer of tennis in Spain.

He was the first Spaniard to win a major title at the French Open Championships in 1961, before regaining the title in 1964 and going on to win the US Open Championships in 1965 and Wimbledon in 1966. 

During his career, he also won the 1963 French Open doubles title.

Santana boasts an impressive Davis Cup record, representing Spain from 1958 to 1973 and securing 92 wins, making him the fifth most successful player in the tournament's history.

Following an illustrious career, Santana retired in 1980 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984.

He still contributes to tennis, setting up the Manolo Santana Racquet Club in Marbella and the Sport Centre Manolo Santana in Madrid.

Santana was a contemporary of Stolle, and both men are now 81 years old. 

"It is a great honour to receive this award at this stage of my life as it is recognition for my years dedicated to tennis," said Santana. 

 "It is lovely to win it alongside Fred.

"Before we were rivals, we were friends, and our friendship endures.

"Overall, I am proud and happy knowing that all the pain and perseverance was worthwhile. 

"People still say, ‘Santana is tennis and tennis is Santana’.  

"I think my success in those days is one of the big reasons we have had so many good players in Spain since then."

Stolle is a 19-time Grand Slam champion, including two singles - the 1965 French Open and the 1966 US Open - ten doubles and seven mixed doubles titles. 

He also helped Australia win three successful Davis Cup titles from 1964 to 1966. 

Since retirement, Stolle has enjoyed a successful career as a coach and as a commentator and analyst. 

He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1988, received the Australian Sports Medal in 2000, and earned Office of the Order of Australia distinction in 2005.

"It’s a very prestigious award," Stolle said.

"Philippe was a very special guy and a very good friend and it’s a thrill. 

"It’s a great honour because I know who’s gone before, and it’s pretty neat to share it with Manolo."