FEATURE
The Top 5 Players
3 Argentines, 1 Spaniard and 1 Chilean ranks as the five top-rated Spanish-speaking Hispanic players
By: Soledad Gimenez

David Nalbandian: Ranking: 3

“No, I will not go to China as a substitute. I have my bag packed and I am going fi shing with my brothers,” said David Nalbandian when summoned to replace Andy Roddick at the Shanghai Masters.

A last-minute change of heart, however found him on his way to China, and later facing and beating the No. 1 player in the world, the Swiss Roger Federer.

The 2000 season was the turning point for Nalbandian’s entry into the list of the top 50 players in the world. From there on out, Nalbandian’s career has been filled with achievements and successes.

Only 24 years old, he owns the most feared two-handed backhand on the circuit. With outstanding technique and great potential, he has accumulated wins over Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Moya, Guillermo Coria, Lleyton Hewitt and Roger Federer, among others.

Without a doubt, one of his most defi ning characteristics is his zest for life off the tennis court. Often thought of as somewhat reckless, this well known adrenaline junkie bungee jumped 450 feet in Vienna, and founded his own rally racing team, along with friend and driver Marcos Ligato.

But, that’s just the way he is, intense and passionate about everything he does. Keeping his eye on the ball and filled with boundless ambition.

Gaston Gaudio: Ranking: 9

Calling Gaston Gaudio explosive is an understatement, both when referring to his game and his temperament.

Without a doubt, his greatest triumph was the seemingly endless match against Guillermo Coria in the finals of the French Open in 2004, where he made off with the trophy and took home his first Grand Slam. After this feat, the “cat” confessed that the counseling he had been receiving had been crucial in establishing his current playing level and in obtaining positive results on the court.

The change was evident, and a new Gaudio appeared. Leaving his dramatic antics behind, he began to truly enjoy tennis. He was able to laugh at himself and take errors in stride.

Gaudio is shy and introverted, characteristics that are often confused with apathy. As he matures as a player he has learned to deal with the press, and this year has already seen a more cool headed and focused Gaudio.

He has been a professional since 1996 and has eight singles and two doubles titles under his belt.

Fernando Gonzalez: Ranking: 18

Steadfastness and perseverance are crucial factors in Fernando González’s reputation.

He finished 2005 brilliantly, establishing himself as Chile’s top player, finishing No. 11 in world rankings, and earning three ATP titles (Auckland, Amersfoort and Basel) on different court surfaces. At the same time, he was unique in positioning himself as one of the best 25 in both singles and doubles.

Without a doubt, this fantastic closure to the year comes as a result of a fine 2004 season, including two tournament titles and, most importantly, his exploits at the Athens Olympics, where Fernando made history and put Chilean tennis on display, leaving in his wake players such as Kuerten, Roddick and Grosjean. As a result, he took home a bronze medal in singles and a gold medal in doubles with partner Nicolas Massu.

Guillermo Coria: Ranking: 7

In spite of beginning his third consecutive season among the list of the top 10 players in the world, Guillermo Coria faces a difficult season.

In an upsetting loss in the finals of the 2004 French Open, he was beaten by fellow Argentine Gastón Gaudio. The defeat was attributed to an injury in his right shoulder, for which he underwent surgery in August 2004 after experiencing the same problems in the second round of Wimbledon.

The 2006 season found Guillermo off the Davis Cup Team after declaring that he wasn’t fully recovered.

But this is not the first time “The Wizard,” as he is known in his native Argentina, faces adversity in his career. In 2001 he was accused of doping, a costly and disgraceful event for which he was eventually found innocent.

With nine titles under his belt and a brilliant record, Coria intends to sort out his problems in order to rediscover his potential, his rich talent and that exquisite game that excited thousands.

Rafael Nadal: Ranking: 2

Perhaps the greatest tennis sensation to emerge in years, this 19-year-old from Mallorca, Spain has already nine titles to his credit, including his first Grand Slam and four ATP Masters series. He was a key player in 2004’s Davis Cup, leaving Andy Roddick in his wake. The following year, he made his mark at the French Open, becoming the first player to win the tournament in his debut attempt since Mats Wilander did so in 1982.

Gifted with a unique talent and an unbeatable two-handed backhand, he has become the heir apparent to the throne occupied today by Roger Federer, as the No. 1 player in the world.

His boyish charms contrast sharply with the seriousness that permeate Nadal’s game. In his short career he has beaten Gaudio, Federer, Agassi, Coria and Lubicic, among others. He finished the year with an injury to his right foot and couldn’t participate in the Shanghai Masters or Australian Open, where his absence was evident. But, having recovered, “the young wonder” has a bright future ahead.

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