Carlos Moya

Rafael Nadal is one of the most popular sportsmen of all time, with numerous emerging tennis players terming the Spaniard as their favourite player. However, Nadal only had eyes for one player growing up. That was none other than fellow Spaniard Carlos Moya with the legendary tennis star quick to name his current coach, in a matter of great honour. Moya was the first tennis player from the nation to become the World No. 1 back in 1999, emerging as a source of inspiration for emerging stars like Nadal. The Spaniard managed to achieve a feat that had proved tough for prominent players such as Manuel Orantes, Sergi Bruguera and Alex Corretja, dethroning none other than Pete Sampras himself.

Moya won 18 singles titles during the course of a fine career, with his triumph in the Monte-Carlo Masters and French Open both in 1998 marking significant moments in the history of the sport. The Spaniard showcased his valour and confidence to pull off a stunning turnaround, having been considered an underdog going into the tournaments. Moya's last title victory going into the Monte-Carlo Masters had been recorded in August 1997 on hard court, with five successive defeats in the finals of ATP tournaments before this triumph. Bad luck, as well as an inability to finish encounters in a concrete manner, seemed like salient weaknesses in the Spaniard's quest for a significant accomplishment. Seeded 14th, Moya managed to surprise one and all with crushing wins over Hicham Arazi, Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Alex Corretja to reach the semi-final. The Spaniard did not lose his composure despite being pushed hard by Richard Krajicek in the semifinal, going on to thrash Cedric Pioline In a massive statement of intent.

Moya was not expected to replicate his heroics in the French Open, with the likes of Marcelo Rios, Gustavo Kuerten, Kafelnikov, Michael Chang and Pete Sampras among prime contenders. The Spaniard showcased great confidence to sail into the quarterfinals without much ado, but was slotted against former World No. 1 Chilean Rios in the knockouts. Moya maintained his supreme dominance, beating his opponent in four sets before going on to tame fellow Spaniard Felix Mantilla in the semi-final. The tennis star had tasted blood and did not do good friend Àlex Corretja any favours in the final, pulling off a 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 win to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires. Moya further spearheaded his nation on to a stunning win in the 2004 Davis Cup final against the US, fending off stern competition from Mardy Fish and Andy Roddick.

The Spaniard has won ATP Tour singles titles in 11 different countries, which is an indication of his dominance across conditions. Argentina, Croatia, France, Italy, India, Mexico, Monaco, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United States represent those nations.

One of the salient aspects behind the Spaniard's success was his ability to hold his own on the hard courts, as well as the prowess to maintain resilience both defensively as well as on the offensive. Moya enjoyed natural talent but was supremely hard working with a desire to keep improving and growing as a professional, as opponents withered away meekly against his fine serves and supremely deadly forehand.

Grand Slam singles record:

Australian Open: F (1997)

French Open: W (1998)

Wimbledon: 4R (2004)

US Open: SF (1998)