Career Highlights
2002
Played in his first Grand Slam final at the French Open but lost to Albert Costa 6-1, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.
Won the only clay-court Tennis Masters Series that he missed in 2001 by defeating Carlos Moya, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 in Monte Carlo. Unable to defend his titles in Rome and Hamburg.
2001
Won four of his five titles this year. He won a Tennis Masters Series event in Rome by defeating Gustavo Kuerten, 3-6, 6-1, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, and reached the final at the next TMS event in Hamburg where he lost to Albert Portas 4-6, 6-2, 0-6, 7-6 (5), 7-5. He won the Dubai Open when Marat Safin retired. He defeated Felix Mantilla, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-3 at the Estoril Open, and he took out fellow Spaniard Carlos Moya at the Open Seat Godo 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.
Reached the finals at Gstaad Open where he lost to Jiri Novak 6-1, 6-7 (5), 7-5.
2000
Reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at the French Open where he lost to Gustavo Kuerten in five sets.
Reached the quarterfinals of the Sydney Olympic Games.
He didn't win a title, but he reached two finals. Finished the year as the No. 2 Spaniard behind Alex Corretja.
1999
Won his first ATP title at Mallorca by defeating No. 11 Alex Corretja.
Reached the semifinals in Casablanca in his ATP debut.
Rose in the rankings 302 points.
1998
Turned pro and won titles at Spain Futures Nos. 3 and 8.
|
ESPN.com
|
Tennis
|
Player Index
