15 Facts About Albert Costa

Albert Costa Casals is a Spanish former professional tennis player.

Albert Costa is best remembered for winning the Men's Singles title at the French Open in 2002.

Albert Costa first came to the tennis world's attention as an outstanding junior player.

Albert Costa turned professional later that year and quickly established a reputation as a strong clay court player.

Albert Costa ended Muster's streak of 40 consecutive clay match wins and his 11 consecutive final wins.

Albert Costa won another two singles titles in 1998, including the Tennis Masters Series event in Hamburg and played at magnificent level at the French Open, only a brilliant Marcelo Rios could stop him at fourth round, but he established the bases for his future winning in 2002.

In 2000, Albert Costa helped Spain win its first Davis Cup.

Albert Costa followed up with a five-set victory over Argentina's Guillermo Canas in the quarterfinals.

Albert Costa then defeated fellow-Spaniard, former world No 2 and long-time friend Alex Corretja in a four-set semifinal.

Albert Costa destroyed Ferrero, who could only win nine points during Albert Costa's service games in the first 2 sets.

In December 2008, Albert Costa was named Spain's Davis Cup captain, replacing Emilio Sanchez Vicario.

Albert Costa became the most successful Spanish Davis Cup captain to date as he led Spain to two Davis Cup titles in 2009 and 2011, before handing the captaincy over to Alex Corretja.

Albert Costa grew up with John McEnroe as his idol.

Albert Costa is a fan of Barcelona and his hometown team UE Lleida.

Less than a week after his triumph at the 2002 French Open, Albert Costa married his long-time girlfriend Cristina Ventura.