16 Facts About Richard Krajicek

Richard Peter Stanislav Krajicek is a Dutch former professional tennis player and tournament director.

Richard Krajicek was ranked world No 4 in men's singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals in March 1999.

Richard Krajicek is a member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, a political party in the Netherlands.

Richard Krajicek began playing tennis at the age of four.

Richard Krajicek turned professional in 1989, and in 1991 won his first top-level singles title in Hong Kong and his first tour doubles title at the Dutch Open.

Richard Krajicek had to withdraw from this semi-final match due to a shoulder injury.

At the 1996 Italian Open, Richard Krajicek reached the final, before losing in four sets to the reigning champion, Thomas Muster.

At the French Open later that year, Richard Krajicek was the only player to take a set off the eventual champion, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, during their quarterfinal match.

Richard Krajicek was seen as a player with potential, having one of the fastest serves at the time, but was not considered to be a strong contender for the title.

Richard Krajicek beat former champion Michael Stich in the fourth round and met Sampras in the quarterfinals.

Richard Krajicek defeated Sampras in straight sets, becoming the only player to beat Sampras in a Wimbledon singles match in the eight-year period from 1993 until Sampras's fourth-round loss to Roger Federer in 2001.

Richard Krajicek won the final in straight sets to become the first Dutchman to win Wimbledon.

At the 1999 US Open, Richard Krajicek lost a quarterfinal matchup to Yevgeny Kafelnikov.

In 2000, Richard Krajicek was awarded the ATP Arthur Ashe Humanitarian award for his efforts to help youth in his home country.

Richard Krajicek was named ATP Comeback Player of the Year in 2002.

In 2004, Richard Krajicek became the tournament director of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.