1997 HIGHLIGHTS
Prize money: $47,433
Matches won-lost: Tour: 1-2 (singles), 0-0 (doubles) Challenger: 18-16 (singles), 7-8 (doubles)
1997 IN REVIEW
Made jump of over 600 positions on the ATP Tour Rankings from previous year with success on Challenger level...Qualified for only two Tour appearances in Estoril where he defeated No. 10 W. Ferreira in 1st RD while ranked No. 465 and end of year in Santiago (l. to Vasek in 1st RD)...Became the lowest-ranked player during season to beat a Top 10 opponent...Compiled an 18-16 record in Challenger play with SF appearances in Merano, Santiago and Guayaquil, all on his favorite clay surface...Did not play a tournament on any other surface...Also advanced to QF at Tampere and Espinho Challengers...Earned a career-high $47,433.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
1994 - Achieved first ATP Tour Ranking by picking up 10 pts. at Chile Satellite...1995 - Played three Satellites in South America and accumulated 25 points...1996 - In limited action, finished runner-up at Brazil #5 Satellite (43 points).
PERSONAL
Did not earn his first ATP Tour Ranking until one month before his 22nd birthday...Plays for a French tennis club, US Forbach, and spends three to four months in France (mostly in the summer)...His favorite music is Argentinian and favorite food is Argentinian...Favorite player is Pete Sampras...Coached by Jose Carlos Rivarola and fitness trainer is Daniel Falco.
