Fabrice Santoro
Fabrice Vetea Santoro was born on December 9, 1972 in Tahiti. He moved to Geneva, Switzerland in 2002, where he now lives. The French tennis player turned professional in 1989. He was named “The Magician” after he defeated Pete Sampras at the 2002 Indian Wells in three sets in the 3rd Round. He earned the Orange Bowl championship title at the same time became a member of the Sunshine Cup team.
Fabrice was also the finalist in the European Championships. He saved two match points when he won the 1989 championship title of the Roland Garros. He held the number two position in the ranking of junior tennis player in the 1989.
Coming from a family of athletes, his father was the former goalkeeper in France’s second division. On top of tennis, Fabrice also likes to go skiing, play soccer, and join the Formula One races. He considered the victory of France in the World Cup to be the most exhilarating sporting experience, as he is a fan of the Chelsea soccer club. Yet his first love for tennis also pushes him to dream a tennis museum at home where he can exhibit his collection of racquets and other sports paraphernalia.
Fabrice, coached by Lionel Zimbler, also from France, has a Davis Cup record of 9-5 in the doubles category with 17 ties since 1991. He was considered to be the oldest player, at 35 then, to finish 2007 in the top 50. This was his best season so far in five years. He finished top 65 in the overall ranking in 11 consecutive years of his career. In July of same year, he earned the fifth career ATP title in Newport. This was his first so far to gain victory in grass and also the oldest player to play in the singles category.
Fabrice was also the finalist in the European Championships. He saved two match points when he won the 1989 championship title of the Roland Garros. He held the number two position in the ranking of junior tennis player in the 1989.
Coming from a family of athletes, his father was the former goalkeeper in France’s second division. On top of tennis, Fabrice also likes to go skiing, play soccer, and join the Formula One races. He considered the victory of France in the World Cup to be the most exhilarating sporting experience, as he is a fan of the Chelsea soccer club. Yet his first love for tennis also pushes him to dream a tennis museum at home where he can exhibit his collection of racquets and other sports paraphernalia.
Fabrice, coached by Lionel Zimbler, also from France, has a Davis Cup record of 9-5 in the doubles category with 17 ties since 1991. He was considered to be the oldest player, at 35 then, to finish 2007 in the top 50. This was his best season so far in five years. He finished top 65 in the overall ranking in 11 consecutive years of his career. In July of same year, he earned the fifth career ATP title in Newport. This was his first so far to gain victory in grass and also the oldest player to play in the singles category.
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