Gustavo Kuerten

Gustavo Kuerten is a former professional tennis player known for his charismatic personality, exceptional clay-court prowess, and sportsmanship. Kuerten, affectionately nicknamed "Guga," is best known for his remarkable achievements at the French Open, where his success and distinctive style left a lasting legacy.

Kuerten won three titles at the French Open -- in 1997, 2000, and 2001. His first victory was particularly memorable, as he entered the tournament ranked 66th in the world and defeated several top-seeded players, including former champions Thomas Muster and Yevgeny Kafelnikov, en route to his maiden Grand Slam title. This unexpected triumph established Kuerten as a major force on clay courts and endeared him to tennis fans globally.

In addition to his success on the red clay of Roland Garros, Kuerten reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 1 in December 2000, becoming the first South American to achieve this milestone in the Open Era. Throughout his career, he won a total of 20 ATP singles titles and 8 doubles titles. Kuerten was renowned for his powerful baseline game, particularly his heavy topspin forehand and one-handed backhand, which were highly effective on clay.

Kuerten suffered many problems with injuries which resulted in his non-attendances at many tournaments between 2002 and 2005. After a few failed attempted comebacks, he retired from top-level tennis in May 2008. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2012 and in 2016, was asked to be the torch bearer for the Rio Olympics.

Off the court, Kuerten is celebrated for his warm and engaging personality, as well as his philanthropic efforts. He established the Gustavo Kuerten Institute in 2000, which focuses on providing opportunities for children and adolescents with disabilities and from underprivileged backgrounds.