Gustavo 'Guga' Kuerten
Guga’s story is remarkable. His game is remarkable and his attitude on and off-court is worthy of the hall of fame. He won his first French Open on his third attempt ranked 67. He won a title every year between 1997 and 2004, but it’s his 3 French Open crowns that puts him among the greats.
Some of his most memorable tussles were with Agassi, Kafelnikov, Magnus Norman and Sergi Bruguera and he had potent game on hard courts with his big serve and groundstokes, winning the year end championship in 2000 against Agassi in straight sets becoming world number 1 as a result.
During his playing days, he was a remarkably warm and generous player on and off the court and would donate much of his prize money to charity and his trophies to his late younger brother, who died in 2007. These days he continues to play and coach tennis, but has recently begun studying drama.
The Numbers
Highest Ranking: 1 (2000)
Career Titles: 20
Grand Slam Wins: 3 -French Open 1997, 2000, 2001
Masters 1000 Wins: 6 – Monte Carlo 1999, 2001 Rome 1999, Hamburg 2000, Cincinnati 2001, Lisbon 2000
Win/Loss Record: 358/195
Career Prize Money: $14,807,000
Records: Kuerten won his first slam in his third attempt—the fastest of any player in the Open era.
Watch: vs. Federer 2001
Watch: Run to 2001 French Open final
Watch: Match Point, 1997 French Open
