1997 HIGHLIGHTS
Prize money: $58,753
Matches won-lost: Tour: 0-2 (singles), 0-0 (doubles) Challenger: 21-11 (singles), 6-9 (doubles)

1997 IN REVIEW

Made big jump in ATP Tour Rankings with success on Challenger level...Qualified for Australian Open and Wimbledon...Tore ligaments in his left ankle in 1st RD match vs. Reneberg in Melbourne...Missed three months of action before returning in April for Mexico #2 Satellite where he finished runner-up (35 points)...At Wimbledon, lost in 1st RD to Stoltenberg...Played well in British Challengers, reaching QF in Bristol and winning title in Manchester (d. Pescosolido)...Also a QF in Newcastle...In August, reached SF at Olbia Challenger and next month reached final at Azores Challenger (l. to Caratti)...In doubles, won title at Newcastle Challenger (w/Veglio)...Earned a career-high $58,753.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

1994 - Played in six Satellites throughout year, finishing fourth at Tunisia circuit (17 points)...1995 - Won Turkey Satellite (44 points) and fourth at Mexico #2 Satellite (26 points)...1996 - Played three Satellites and three Challengers during season, winning Portugal #4 circuit (48 points) and placing sixth at Britain #2 circuit (12 points)...Best Challenger result was QF in Manchester. GRAND SLAM RECORD CAREER97 AUS. OPEN0-11ST FRENCH OPEN -- -- WIMBLEDON0-11ST US OPEN----

PERSONAL

Childhood heroes were Martin Luther King and his father, Cayetano, who coached his son as a youngster...Underwent three left knee operations in 1995 and tore the ligaments in his left ankle in 1997...Played in only a total of five Challengers and five Satellites in 1995-96...Enjoys soccer, basketball, table tennis and music of Smashing Pumpkins, Oasis, Blur and U2...Coached by Julian Villamarin.