1997 HIGHLIGHTS
Prize money: $93,088
Matches won-lost: Tour: 8-10 (singles), 0-0 (doubles) Challenger: 16-13 (singles), 1-2 (doubles)
Singles Quarterfinalist: Prague.
1997 IN REVIEW
Finished in Top 100 for first time in his career with success in ATP Tour and Challenger play...One of nine Germans to finish in Top 100...Began season by winning Portugal #1 Satellite (56 pts.) and advanced to QF at Salinas Challenger in February....In April, advanced to SF at Split Challenger and followed with QF at Prague Challenger...Qualified for ATP Tour stop in Prague and posted biggest career victory over No. 4 Kafelnikov in 1st RD en route to QF...In July, reached Venice Challenger final (l. to Alonso)...Did not win more than two matches in same event until end of season at Rio Grande Challenger where he reached final (l. to Squillari)...Afterward, improved from 108 into Top 100 for first time to year-end No. 91...Earned a career-high $93,088.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
1995 - Finished third at Italy #3 Satellite (26 points) and advanced to QF at Siracusa Challenger...1996 - Winner at Croatia #1 Satellite (51 points) and Italy #1 Satellite (45 points)...Reached first Challenger final in Cali (l. to Hadad)...Advanced to SF at Montauban Challenger and QF at Szczecin and Mallorca Challengers.
GRAND SLAM RECORD
CAREER97
WIMBLEDON 0-11ST
PERSONAL
Has both German and Italian passports...His father, Mario, was born in Bergamo, Italy while his mother, Ursulla, was born in Germany...Considers himself more German because I grew up in Germany. ...Speaks both languages along with English...Enjoys Tom Cruise movies and music of Michael Jackson...Coached by Gianpaolo Coppo.
