Career Highlights
2002
Lost in the first round of the Australian Open.
Out for months after having hip surgery before returning in late April.
2001
Defended his French Open title by again defeating Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the quarterfinals and Juan Carlos Ferrero in the semifinals. He defeated Alex Corretja 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-2, 6-0 to win his third Grand Slam title.
Decided not to play at Wimbledon, citing fatigue after the French Open.
Won first major title of the year at Monte Carlo, Monaco, amidst a depleted field. He defeated Hicham Arazi, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in the first Tennis Masters Series tournament of the year on clay. Reached the final at Rome where he lost to Juan Carlos Ferrero 3-6, 6-1, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. Won his second Masters title of the year and his first victory on hard courts in 2001 at Cincinnati. Defeated Patrick Rafter in the final 6-1, 6-3 only 20 minutes after completing a rain-delayed semifinal against Tim Henman.
Won back-to-back tournaments on clay at the AT&T Cup and the Mexican Open. Also won on clay at Stuttgart, defeating Guillermo Canas, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
Knocked out of the second round of the Australian Open in a surprising upset by unseeded Greg Rusedski of Britain 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 9-7.
2000
Won his second career Grand Slam title and first since 1997 with a victory in the French Open. Survived five-set matches in quarterfinals (vs. Yevgeny Kafelnikov) and semifinals (vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero) before knocking off Magnus Norman in a four-set final.
Took over No. 1 ranking in June and again in August, finishing the season at No. 1.
Piled up four other victories (Santiago, Hamburg, Indianapolis and at the Masters Cup in Lisbon) and was runner-up in two other events.
Of his seven appearances in finals, four were on clay and three on hardcourts.
Topped previous career high with $3.41 million in earnings and had a career-best 63-22 record.
1999
Put together his best season to date (50-25), with more consistent results on all surfaces (23-6 on clay, 20-15 on hard, 4-1 on grass and 3-3 on carpet).
Captured two Mercedes Super 9 titles (Monte Carlo and Rome) and joined Andre Agassi and Todd Martin as the only players in '99 to reach at least the quarterfinals in three Grand Slam events. In Rome, defeated then-No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov, then-No. 7 Alex Corretja and then-No. 4 Patrick Rafter on the way to the title.
Finished season ranked No. 5 and earned a career-high $1.76 million.
1998
Won clay titles in Stuttgart and Mallorca and compiled 26-12 record on clay. Was 15-11 on hard.
Was defending champ at French Open, but was ousted in second round. Didn't make it past the second round in any of the four majors.
Improved record over 1997 (41-25 compared to 36-25), but fell to No. 23 in the year-end rankings.
1997
Won the French Open by defeating two-time champion Sergi Bruguera in the final for his first career singles title. Roland Garros victory boosted his ranking from No. 66 to 15.
Soundly defeated Michael Chang in the semifinals before being upset by Chris Woodruff in the final of the du Maurier Open.
Lost in the first round at Wimbledon to American Justin Gimelstob in his first appearance at the All England Club.
Finished with his best year-end ranking (No. 14).
1996
Finished as the No. 1 player from Brazil in the year-end rankings after breaking into the Top 100 for the first time on Aug. 26.
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