Albert Costa
After picking up a racquet for the first time at the tender age of five, Albert first came to the tennis world's attention as an outstanding junior player. In 1993, after winning the French Open junior title and the Orange Bowl, Costa turned professional. In 1994, he won two challenger series events and was named the ATP's Newcomer of the Year.
Costa won his first top-level singles title in 1995 at Kitzbuhel, and by the turn of the millennium he had won a further ten titles, including his first Tennis Masters Series event in Hamburg in 1998. In 2000, Costa helped Spain win its first Davis Cup. He also captured a bronze medal in the men's doubles at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, partnering Alex Corretja.
Going into the French Open in 2002, Costa had not won a tour title since 1999 and was not considered to be among the favorites, but he rode a wave of momentum and went all the way. In the final, Costa came up against the heavily favoured Juan Carlos Ferrero. He used all of his experience to see off his younger compatriot and triumph in four sets to claim his only Grand Slam title. The win propelled him to his career-high singles ranking of World Number Six in July 2002.
Citing recurring injuries and a lack of motivation, Albert officially announced his retirement from professional tennis on 21 April 2006, at the Seat Open in his hometown in Barcelona. There he expressed his interest in one day joining the ATP Champions Tour, and he played his first event two years later. In December 2008, Costa was named Spain's Davis Cup captain, replacing Emilio Sanchez Vicario. He is also currently coaching ATP player Feliciano Lopez.
