2000 IN REVIEW
The Italian had a solid year on ATP circuit, but enjoyed most success in doubles play…Highlights of first three months of year included 3rd RD showing in Memphis, defeating Courier in 2nd RD (l. to Sargsian)…Afterwards failed to win back-to-back matches again until Bermuda Challenger in April, where he reached SF (l. to Tabara)…Advanced to final of Surbiton Challenger, defeating Gimelstob in 1st RD and B. Black in 2nd en route to final, where he lost in three sets to Arthurs…Went 7-13 until Urbana Challenger, where he advanced to QF (l. to Godwin)…Compiled 8-9 on hard courts and 1-5 on clay on ATP circuit…In doubles, won Challenger titles in Lexington (w/Manta) and Brest (w/Ketola) and reached final in Binghamton (w/Manta)…Also reached consecutive SF on grass at 's-Hertogenbosch (w/Van Lottum) and Newport (w/Manta).
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
1998-Made career breakthrough on ATP Tour by improving 183 ranking positions...Played well on grass, reaching first Tour final at Queen's in London where he qualified and posted wins over Rusedski (3rd) and Henman (QF) before losing to Draper...Also a SF in Newport...In doubles, won first Tour title in Tashkent (w/Pescosolido) and West Bloomfield and Singapore Challengers (w/Thomas)...1999-Finished in Top 100 for first time in his career…Reached SF at Newport and QF in Hong Kong…Equaled Grand Slam best 3rd RD at US Open where he lost in fifth set tie-break to Spadea…Won Challenger title in Heilbronn (d. Hantschk).
PERSONAL
Began playing tennis at age seven with his father, Henri, who was an economist for 26 years for the European Community in Brussels...Mother, Mirella, is also an economist for the EC...Father is Dutch and mother Italian...Travels with both passports, and listed in ATP Tour Rankings as Italian...Enjoys skiing and playing soccer...Attended the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Fla. from ages 13 to 17...Travels with his brother, Henri-James (born April 13, 1970) who is a clothing designer...Has worked with former doubles great Peter Fleming in London.
