1998 IN REVIEW

The Argentinian made ranking jump of almost 300 positions with consistent results in Satellite and Challenger play on his favorite claycourt surface...Began season by winning two Satellites in Chile as he won circuit #1 (48 points) and #2 (50 points)...Afterward, climbed from 415 on Apr. 27 to No. 230 on June 22...In late June, reached first of four consecutive Challenger QF in Montauban and followed in Ostend, Contrexeville and Newcastle...In late August, advanced to QF in Santa Cruz and added SF in Quito...Captured his first career Challenger title in Montevideo on Oct. 25 (d. Ruud)...Made his ATP Tour debut by qualifying in Santiago (d. Meligeni, l. to Mantilla in 2nd RD)...Closed season with QF at Lima Challenger...In doubles, reached final in Lima (w/Browne) and SF in Montauban (w/Bianchi).

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

1994-Finished fifth at Argentina #1 Satellite (27 points)...1995-Picked up 25 points in five Satellites, playing four in his native country...1996-Ranking improved with success in Satellite level, winning Argentina #1 (60 points) and Argentina #2 (57 points) circuits...Also finished third at Ukraine circuit (28 points)...1997-Played entire season on Challenger level, advancing to back-to-back QF at Cali and Quito in July...Following month, reached QF in succession at Santa Cruz and Guadalajara-1...In doubles, won his first title in Cali and reached final in Curitiba (w/Puerta)...Added three SF with as many partners.

PERSONAL

Began playing tennis at age nine and turned pro at 17...Considers best shot as forehand and best surface as clay...Coached by Ruben Puerta, father of Argentina's top-ranked Mariano Puerta.