ATP Tour
Carlos Moya followed in the footsteps of fellow Spaniard Sergi Bruguera to become Roland Garros champion in 1998.
Tall and dashing, bandana-clad Moya was more than just a clay-courter. Unfailingly polite, he became a crowd pleaser with his desire to maximise his natural talent and thrived on confidence.
By improving his attacking instincts, to complement well placed serving and a potent forehand, Moya reached the 1997 Australian Open final – losing to Pete Sampras 6-2, 6-3, 6-3. Four of his 20 career titles came on hard courts, including at 2002 Cincinnati (d. Hewitt).
Moya won the first of his three ATP Masters Series titles at Monte-Carlo in 1998, his best year, when he captured his lone major championship title in Paris with a 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 victory over Alex Corretja. His 6-1, 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 quarter-final win over Marcelo Rios ranks as one of his best memories. Shortly after his 23rd birthday, he reached the US Open semi-finals (l. to Philippoussis) and finished runner-up at the ATP World Tour Championships, despite holding a two-sets-to-love lead against Corretja.
Four months later, he briefly held the World No. 1 ranking. But a stress fracture in his lower back at the 1999 US Open dented his considerable powers. Moya went on to win a further 15 titles, but he made just another five major quarter-final appearances – including at 2003-04, ’07 Roland Garros.
Arguably, his greatest moment came for Spain, before a record crowd in Seville, at the 2004 Davis Cup final. Beating Mardy Fish on the opening day, Moya topped Andy Roddick to secure a 3-2 win.
A nagging foot injury ended his career on 17 November 2010. He now competes on the ATP Champions Tour and runs the SD Tennis Academy in Madrid.
MAJOR TITLES (1) – French singles, 1998.
DAVIS CUP – 1996-99, 2000-04, 20-7 singles.
SINGLES RECORD IN THE MAJORS – Australian (13-13), French (32-12), Wimbledon (7-8), US (26-13)
Bio Courtesy: James Buddell
Full name is Carlos Moya Llompart...Began playing tennis at age six...Writes left-handed...Parents, Andres and Pilar; older sister, Begona; older brother, Andres...Winner of European 18s singles and doubles titles (w/Diaz)... Also member of winning Galea Cup team in 1994...Enjoys video games and travels with his PlayStation and Minidisc and also enjoys music of U2, Bon Jovi and Queen...A big fan of RCD Mallorca soccer team...Good friends with Spanish music group Cafe’ Quijano, who often watch his matches live...He went on stage with them in Barcelona and sang his favorite song “La Lola”...Spent a week of mandatory military reserves duty in July 1997 and cut his traditionally long hair at time.
In May 1999, selected by People Magazine in U.S. as one of its “50 Most Beautiful People in the World”...Involved in local charity efforts in his hometown of Mallorca... During his back rehabilitation in later part of 1999, took French, guitar and scuba diving lessons...Also got a tattoo of a dolphin on his right bicep...In October 2000, launched a line of his own cologne in Madrid and the product was expected to be sold in 40 countries and its slogan, “Life is the most exciting game”...In April 2001, made his acting debut as a tennis coach in a Spanish movie “Torrente II”...Has a 20-7 career Davis Cup singles record in 15 ties...Friend of pro golfer Sergio Garcia and pro basketball player Pau Gasol of Los Angeles Lakers... Donated his first prize earnings of $52,000 after winning Chennai title on Jan. 9, 2005 to tsunami relief efforts... Named Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of Year in 2005...Coached by former ATP pro Luis Lobo of Argentina (since August 2006).
On 18 August 2010, his girlfriend, actress Carolina Cerezuela, gave birth to a daughter, Carla, at 9:20 a.m. in Palma de Mallorca...A son, Carlos, was born on 12 December 2012.
