Fabrice Santoro

Fabrice Santoro is a French former professional tennis player, renowned for his unusually long career and unique playing style of hitting two-handed on both his forehand and backhand sides. He was a successful singles and doubles player, winning a combined 30 titles.

He holds the ATP record for the most Grand Slam men's singles events played, with 70 appearances, and was a key member of France's victorious Davis Cup teams.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Fabrice Vetea Santoro was born on December 9, 1972, in Tahiti, French Polynesia. He stands 177 cm tall and he plays right-handed, uniquely using two hands on both his forehand and backhand.

He grew up in Southern France, where his father, a former footballer, worked as a tennis teacher and first introduced him to the sport. Santoro is a big fan of the late French comedian Michel Colucci. As of 2022, he divides his time between Paris and Corsica.

Early Life and Junior Career

Santoro had a successful junior career, reaching a career-high junior ranking of No. 3. He won the boys' singles title at the French Open in 1989 and also had a semifinal appearance at the US Open Junior Championships that same year.

Professional Career

Santoro turned professional in 1989. In singles, he won six titles on the ATP Tour and reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 17 in August 2001. A testament to his longevity, he holds the record for the most Grand Slam singles events played, with 70 appearances, and is popular among spectators for his shot-making abilities.

He had even greater success in doubles, winning 24 titles on the ATP Tour, including two major titles at the [Australian Open in 2003 and 2004. He reached a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 6 in July 1999. In mixed doubles, he won one major title at the French Open in 2005.

He was a member of France's Davis Cup winning teams in 1991 and 2001.

Santoro retired from professional tennis in 2010.

Coaching Career

Since March 2019, Fabrice Santoro has been the coach of Canadian tennis player Milos Raonic.

Career Record

Singles

• Career record: 470–444
• Career titles: 6
• Highest ranking: No. 17 (August 6, 2001)

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open – QF (2006)
• French Open – 4R (1991, 2001)
• Wimbledon – 3R (2001)
• US Open – 3R (1990, 1998, 1999, 2004)

Other tournaments (Singles)

• Olympic Games – QF (1992)

Doubles

• Career record: 377–257
• Career titles: 24
• Highest ranking: No. 6 (July 5, 1999)

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open – W (2003, 2004)
• French Open – F (2004)
• Wimbledon – F (2006)
• US Open – SF (2003)

Other tournaments (Doubles)

• Tour Finals – W (2005)

Mixed Doubles

• Career titles: 1

Best Grand Slam Mixed Doubles Performances

• French Open – W (2005)

Team competitions

• Davis Cup – W (1991, 2001)