Dudi Sela
Encyclopedia
David "Dudi" Sela is an Israeli professional tennis player.
Sela reached a career-high singles ranking of # 29 in July 2009. He is currently Israel's top men's singles player, ahead of Amir Weintraub
.
As a 17-year-old junior, he won the 2003 French Open
boys' doubles championship with his doubles partner. His peak junior rankings were # 12 in singles, and # 16 in doubles.
Representing Israel in the Davis Cup, his highlight has been an upset win in 2007 over world # 7 Fernando González
. In 2008 he beat world # 5 David Ferrer
in straight sets, and in 2010, he beat world # 7 Andy Roddick
in straight sets.
. His family name was originally Sălăjean, but his father changed it so that it would be more easily pronounced in Israel. He grew up in the small city of Kiryat Shmona, on the Israel-Lebanon
border.
At the age of two, Dudi, diminutive of David, had his hands on his first racket, and at the age of seven he began to play tennis. His tennis idols were his brother Ofer, who was a top 200 player, and the Israeli Amos Mansdorf
. Sela spent hours as a junior studying tapes of Mansdorf, hoping to one day match his achievements.
International title, with partner and countryman Idan Ben Harosh. In Corfu, Greece, Sela captured the doubles title, while narrowly losing the singles final.
In April 2001 he reached the Israel International singles final, and won the doubles title with Israeli Maor Zirkin. In July of the same year, he won his first singles title in Van Keeken of the Netherlands. The following month, at the Fischer Junior Open he won the singles, and also captured the doubles title with Michael Ryderstedt
of Sweden.
In 2002, Sela enjoyed a strong showing in the Australian Open Junior Competition, reaching the quarterfinals. In April, he took home the Beaulieu Sur Mer trophy with a strong performance. In the French Open Juniors he cracked the final eight.
2003 was Sela's last year as a junior. He reached the semifinals of the 2003 US Open Junior Championships, before losing to Marcos Baghdatis
. He also reached the Roland Garros Junior singles quarters for the second consecutive year, and won the French Open 2003 doubles title
with partner Győrgy Balázs of Hungary. In March 2003 he won the Australia F1 tournament in Tasmania
. In July he triumphed at the Togliatti
competition in Russia, resulting in his ATP ranking shooting up 103 places to 256.
At his peak as a junior player, he was ranked # 12 in the ITF
singles rankings, and # 16 in the doubles.
Sela had a successful year on the ATP Challenger circuit
in 2005, winning tournaments in Vancouver, Canada, and Lexington, Kentucky
, in consecutive weeks. He had a 21–11 record in Challengers.
In 2006 Sela won more USTA Pro Circuit singles titles than any other man – all at the Futures level – with five. He picked up consecutive wins twice during the year, at events in Claremont, California
, and Costa Mesa, California
, in September and in Waikoloa, Hawaii, and Honolulu in November. His other win came at a tournament
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
, the last week of October.
. In the first round he upset Paradorn Srichaphan
of Thailand, who was ranked # 56 in the world. In the second round, he lost to Marat Safin
in five sets, despite starting by leading the Russian two sets to one. In April 2007, Sela lost in the semifinals in a Challenger tournament to Paul Baccanello
in Lanzarote, Spain.
In July 2007 he lost in the finals of the Open Diputación
in Córdoba, Spain. In the tournament he defeated # 47 ranked Albert Montañés
7–5, 6–4. Later in July, he won a challenger title in Togliatti, Russia, his fourth career title, beating Russia's Mikhail Ledovskikh
7–6 (3), 6–3 in the final.
Sela then qualified for the US Open. In the first round of the main draw he defeated Nicolás Lapentti
, 5–7, 6–2, 6–1, 6–3, his fourth upset of a top 100 player in the first 8 months of the year. Lapentti was once ranked as high as # 6 in the world, but at the time of the match was ranked # 80. Sela lost to world # 23 Juan Mónaco
in the second round, 6–4, 6–0, 6–7 (1), 6–4.
In October he first defeated world # 51 Juan Martín del Potro
2–6, 7–5, 6–3 at the Japan Open in Tokyo, followed by # 90 Boris Pašanski
6–2, 4–0, ret. Sela won the Seoul Challenger tournament later in October, winning all five of his matches in straight sets. The win lifted him to a career-high 73 in the world.
Sela had considered retiring before the start of 2008 if he did not make a breakthrough, but things came together. In October he said: "My target is to reach the top 70 within the next year."
He lost in the finals of the ATP Taiwan Challenge in Kaohsiung
in November to Lu Yen-hsun
, 6–3, 6–3, but won the doubles title together with Stephen Amritraj
of India. He won the Keio Challenger in Yokohama
the following week, losing only one set (in a tiebreaker). In December 2007, he had his revenge on Marat Safin in Saint Anton, with a straight-set win: 6–1, 6–4. It was his tenth win over a player in the top-100 in the year. For the year he compiled a 33–14 match record in Challenger play with two titles, went 10–5 (all on hard courts) in ATP level competition, and became the first Israeli man to finish in the top 100 since Harel Levy in 2001.
, Sela won his first round match over qualifier Martin Slanar
6–2, 6–4, 6–2. He lost his second round to world # 24 Ivo Karlović
7–6 (5), 4–6, 3–6, 1–6.
In March at the Pacific Life Open he defeated world # 49 Nicolas Kiefer
, 6–4, 6–7 (4), 6–3. Then at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami he defeated world # 48 Hyung-Taik Lee of Korea, 6–4, 6–3, and # 14 Tommy Robredo
of Spain in the 2nd round, 7–6 (5), 6–1. He defeated world # 88 Robby Ginepri
in April in Houston, 7–6 (5), 6–2. In May in Austria he defeated world # 80 Mischa Zverev
of Germany 7–6 (2), 6–0. In July he won the Vancouver challenger
, beating Kevin Kim in the final, 6–3, 6–0.
Sela was gravely disappointed by the failure of the Israel Olympic Committee to allow him to represent Israel at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Despite the fact that Sela met the International Olympic Committee
's criteria to play in the Olympics, and the Israel Tennis Association
recommended that he deserved to go, the Israel Olympic Committee refused to accept the recommendation. Sela said he learned he wasn't going to be permitted to go to the Olympics because "I wasn’t inside the top 50 ranked players.... I met the International Olympic Committee's criteria. But they don’t want to send me, and I don’t understand why. It's not like I’m 500th in the world, I’m 60th. When Nicolás Massú
won the Olympics he was ranked 70th, so it shows anything can happen. I want to go and be the first Israeli to play in the men's singles for 20 years."
In August Sela defeated world # 97 Vince Spadea
of the United States 7–6 (6), 6–3 at the Legg Mason Classic
in Washington. Later in the month he beat world # 99 Donald Young, 6–4, 6–2, in New Haven, Connecticut at the Pilot Pen tournament
.
Sela reached his first ATP Tour final in September at the China Open
, while ranked # 92. Sela, unseeded, defeated the world # 61 Frenchman Nicolas Devilder
in the first round. In the second round, Sela upset the first seed and world # 5, David Ferrer
, in straight sets, 6–3, 6–3. Sela continued his run by defeating the sixth seed, world # 16 Tommy Robredo, 6–4, 6–1, and the seventh seed, world # 35 Rainer Schüttler
, 6–3, 6–3. Sela was defeated by Andy Roddick
in the final 6–4, 6–7 (6), 6–3. Sela became the first Israeli since Harel Levy
in 2001 to reach an ATP final. "Dudi reached the final and realized he had it", said his brother Ofer. "He beat top-30 players day after day.... It was the first time he proved he was no paper tiger, but one who can dish it out to everyone. He always knew he had the potential, but suddenly he understood how to fulfill it."
In October, he defeated the world # 72 Victor Hănescu
at the Kremlin Cup
, 6–3, 3–6, 6–2.
By December 2008 Sela had slipped out of the top 100, however, and he was advised to skip his year-end vacation and play three Challenger tournaments that month. That way he could earn some money, return to the top 100, and qualify directly for the Australian Open. Instead, Sela chose to return to Israel for a month of training, and work on his weaknesses with his coach, Yoram Menahem. During that time he changed his stance and serve. "Many would have opted for the Challengers, and the safe money", said his brother Ofer seven months later, "but Dudi was very confident in his decision, and looking back he really matured with it. His career looks different now."
, Sela won three rounds of qualifiers in order to make the main draw. In the final round, Sela beat Grega Žemlja
of Slovenia
in dramatic fashion, surviving six match point
s to win 6–2, 2–6, 8–6.
In the main draw, Sela beat 30th-seeded German veteran Rainer Schüttler
, who was ranked number 31 in the world, 1–6, 6–2, 6–4, 6–4. In the second round, he defeated world number 44 Victor Hănescu
of Romania
, 6–3, 6–3, 6–2, saving all 12 of Hănescu's break points. He was the first Israeli man to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Amos Mansdorf
progressed to the round of 32 in Wimbledon in 1994. In the round of 32, however, Sela was defeated by fifth-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, 6–4, 6–2, 1–6, 6–1.
In February at the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships
in Memphis
, Sela made it through two rounds of qualifying matches, and then as far as the semifinals. Along the way he beat world number 92 Robert Kendrick
, 6–4, 6–4, world number 73 Bobby Reynolds
, 7–64, 6–2, world number 54 Florent Serra
of France, 7–64, 7–64, and world number 43 Igor Kunitsyn
of Russia, 4–6, 6–4, 6–2. With that, he raised his world ranking to number 65. In late February at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships
, he beat world number 80 Philipp Petzschner
of Germany, 6–3, 4–1, ret. In March, he defeated world number 42 José Acasuso
at the BMW Tennis Championship
, but withdrew in his next match after suffering a leg injury.
In May, he reached a new career-high world ranking of number 55. That month, he won his first round match at the 2009 French Open, his first French Open victory ever, against Jean-René Lisnard
of Monaco
, 6–4, 6–3, 4–6, 6–3. In June at the Ordina Open
, he defeated world number 59 Christophe Rochus
, 6–2, 6–4, and at 's-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands in a grass-court tuneup for Wimbledon, he beat world number 39 Igor Kunitsyn, 6–4, 6–3. He again reached a career-high singles ranking, this time number 46.
In the first round at Wimbledon, Sela defeated Mexican Santiago González, 6–4, 4–6, 7–62, 6–3. In the second round, he upset 2008 semifinalist, world number 29 German Rainer Schüttler
, seeded eighteenth, 7–6, 6–3, 6–2. In the match, Sela produced an exciting array of shots, and exhibited a fierce backhand, as well as more subtle drop shot
s.
In the third round, Sela was urged on by a contingent of supporters who for much of the first two sets chanted a Hebrew song, translated roughly as: "David
, King of Israel is alive and lives on!" Sela combined solid ground strokes that included a potent backhand with a series of increasingly effective rushes of the net to defeat world number 15 Tommy Robredo
of Spain, seeded fifteenth, 7–6 (8), 7–5, 2–6, 7–5; he is now 3–0 lifetime against Robredo. Al Jazeera
described the upset as a "shock result". That advanced Sela to the round of 16, his first Grand Slam 4th round, which The Independent
described as the "surprise of the week". Sela became the first Israeli man in 20 years (since Amos Mansdorf
in 1989
) to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon, and the fourth Israeli man ever (and first since Mansdorf at the 1992 Australian Open
) to reach the fourth round in a Grand Slam. The victory guaranteed him a payday of at least $80,000.
Sela next sought to join Shlomo Glickstein
(1981 Australian Open
), Mansdorf (1992 Australian Open
), and Shahar Pe'er (2007 Australian Open
and 2007 US Open
) as the only Israelis to have made it to a Grand Slam quarterfinal. He was defeated in the fourth round, however, by the 2008 Australian Open champion, then-world number 4 Serbian Novak Djokovic
, 6–2, 6–4, 6–1.
On the strength of his Wimbledon performance, Sela rose to a career-high world number 33 in July 2009. Following his victory in the Davis Cup against Russia the next week, he rose again to a new career high, this time number 29, one better than the career-high of Davis Cup teammate Harel Levy.
In late July, Sela was seeded second for the 2009 Indianapolis Tennis Championships
in singles. In doubles, Sela partnered American Jesse Levine
and defeated Denis Istomin
of Uzbekistan and Josselin Ouanna
of France, 6–4, 6–4, to make it to the quarterfinals.
, Sela upset number 4 seed, and world number 7, Andy Roddick
in straight sets 6–4, 7–610–8.
On August 8, 2010, he won the Odlum Brown Vancouver Open
title, upsetting the first seed Taylor Dent
in the semifinal and the fourth seed Ričardas Berankis
in the final. He has a career 15–0 in this tournament (including winning 2005 and 2008 titles).
. He is 12–6 through July 2009.
In April 2007 he upset Andreas Seppi
, ranked # 91 in the world, 6–3, 7–5, 1–6, 3–6, 6–3, as Israel defeated Italy
.
Before the Chile
-Israel Davis Cup match began in September 2007, even The Jewish Chronicle
wrote: "Led by Fernando González (6) and Nicolás Massú (72), it is hard to see Israel's Dudi Sela (105) and Noam Okun (186), backed up by doubles specialists Andy Ram
and Jonathan Erlich
, winning the contest. González and Massú are also a formidable doubles partnership, having won the Olympic gold medal in Athens in 2004."
That same month, before playing Nicolás Massú
of Chile in the first match of the tie, Sela said: "We like being the underdog. I'm very pleased with the fact that I'm playing first and I'm very confident of claiming the win." He then proceeded to upset Massu, ranked # 72 in the world, and formerly ranked # 9 in the world, in a 5-hour 7-minute match, 6–3, 6–4, 6–7 (3), 6–4. "This is definitely the biggest win in my career", Sela said afterwards.Later in that Davis Cup tie, Dudi Sela defeated # 7 in the world Fernando González
4–6, 7–6 (5), 5–7, 7–6 (7), 6–3 in a 5-hour 1-minute match. It is arguably the greatest tennis match ever played in Israel. The victory lifted Israel over Chile and into 2008's World Group. Gonzalez was at the time the highest-ranked player Sela had ever beaten in his career (he later beat world # 5 David Ferrer in Beijing in September 2008), and his 6th upset of a top-100 player in the first 9 months of the year. Elated, Sela said "This is definitely the happiest day of my life." Sela was congratulated over the phone by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
and President Shimon Peres
after the match.
In the 2008 World Group
, Israel hosted Sweden
in Ramat HaSharon
. Sela started with a win against world # 71 Jonas Björkman
7–6, 6–3, 6–1, and gave Israel an advantage of 1–0. He then lost to world # 60 Thomas Johansson
7–6 (6), 6–1, 7–5, as Israel lost the tie 3–2. In the 2008 World Group Playoffs
, Sela led the Israeli team to a 4–1 victory over Peru
at Ramat Hasharon. Sela won both his singles contests, defeating Iván Miranda
and Luis Horna
.
In the 2009 World Group Playoffs in March 2009, Israel again faced seven-time Davis Cup champion Sweden
. An amusing moment occurred during Sela's opening match when the Israeli fans, to the Que Sera, Sera tune of the Doris Day
hit song from the 1950s, sang "Dudi Sela, Sela, whatever will be will be." Sela led the Israeli team to a come-from-behind 3–2 victory over the 7-time Davis Cup champion Swedes at Baltic Hall in Malmö, Sweden, to advance in the 2009 Davis Cup. Sela won each of his singles matches in 5 sets, coming from behind to defeat Andreas Vinciguerra
in his hometown 4–6, 6–3, 3–6, 6–3, 11–9, and came from behind to stun 2002 Australian Open
champion Thomas Johansson
3–6, 6–1, 4–6, 6–4, 6–2. Sela views it as the biggest win of his career to that point. In their 84-year Davis Cup history, the Swedes had never before lost a tie after holding a 2–1 lead. The last time Israel's Davis Cup team reached the level of being one the top eight tennis nations in the world was in 1987, against India
.
Israel (ranked 8th in the Davis Cup standings, with 5,394 points) hosted heavily favored Russia
(which won in both 2002 and 2006, and was the top-ranked country in Davis Cup standings, with 27,897 points) in a Davis Cup quarterfinal tie in July 2009, on indoor hard courts at the Nokia Arena in Tel Aviv. Israel was represented by Sela, Harel Levy
, Jonathan Erlich, and Andy Ram. Russia's lineup consisted of Marat Safin
(# 60 in the world; former world # 1), Igor Andreev
(24), Igor Kunitsyn
(35), and Mikhail Youzhny
(69; former world # 8). Sela said before the tie: "We feel we can beat the Russians." The stage was then set by Safin, who prior to the tie told the press: "With all due respect, Israel was lucky to get to the quarterfinals." The Israeli team's response was to beat the Russian team in each of their first three matches, thereby winning the tie. Levy, world # 210, beat Russia's top player, Andreev, world # 24, 6–4, 6–2, 4–6, 6–2 in the opening match. Sela (# 33) followed by beating Russian Youzhny 3–6, 6–1, 6–0, 7–5. Israeli captain Eyal Ran
likened his players to two fighter jets on court, saying: "I felt as if I had two F-16s out there today, they played amazingly well." The 10,500 spectators were the largest crowd ever for a tennis match in Israel. The next day Israelis Ram and Erlich beat Safin and Kunitsyn 6–3, 6–4, 6–7 (3), 4–6, 6–4 in front of a boisterous crowd of over 10,000. Even the Saudi Gazette
described the doubles match as a "thrilling" win. Ran was carried shoulder-high around the Tel Aviv stadium, as the 10,000-strong crowd applauded. With the tie clinched for Israel, the reverse singles rubbers were "dead", and instead of best-of-five matches, best-of-three sets were played, with the outcomes of little to no importance. Israel wrapped up a 4–1 victory over Russia, as Levy defeated Kunitsyn 6–4, 4–6, 7–6 (2), while Sela retired with a wrist injury while down 3–4 in the first set against Andreev.
Israel, however, lost to Spain in the semi-finals, 4–1. Their only win coming in the last match, in which Harel Levy beat Juan Carlos Ferrero
.
er by some. The versatility that he demonstrates with his one-handed backhand is seldom matched by anyone on the circuit.
, Yoav Shab, Yoram Menahem, and Amos Mansdorf
.
and Shahar Pe'er
is one of a number of young Jewish tennis players who are highly ranked. "It's very special being able to play around the world", Sela said. "It is fun playing in different places because Jewish people will come out to watch me."
Sela enjoys support outside of Israel from his fan brigade, known as the "Hebrew Hammer", whose chanting in both English and Hebrew aims to replicate the raucous atmosphere of tennis matches in Tel Aviv that helped him defeat the likes of González in arguably his most historic victory. Originating at the LA Tennis Open in 2008, the Hebrew Hammer has been spotlit on telecasts by the Tennis Channel.
Sela reached a career-high singles ranking of # 29 in July 2009. He is currently Israel's top men's singles player, ahead of Amir Weintraub
Amir Weintraub
Amir Weintraub is an Israeli professional tennis player. He is the current Israeli champion, and is currently ranked No...
.
As a 17-year-old junior, he won the 2003 French Open
2003 French Open
The 2003 French Open was the second Grand Slam event of 2003 and the 102nd edition of the French Open. It took place at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France, from May 26 through June 8, 2003.-Men's singles:...
boys' doubles championship with his doubles partner. His peak junior rankings were # 12 in singles, and # 16 in doubles.
Representing Israel in the Davis Cup, his highlight has been an upset win in 2007 over world # 7 Fernando González
Fernando González
----Fernando Francisco González Ciuffardi is a professional tennis player from Chile. He is known for having one of the hardest forehands on the circuit. In Spanish he is called El Bombardero de La Reina and Mano de Piedra...
. In 2008 he beat world # 5 David Ferrer
David Ferrer
David Ferrer Ern is a Spanish professional tennis player who lives in Valencia, Spain who is currently no. 5 in the ATP Rankings and the second-highest ranked Spaniard behind world no. 2 Rafael Nadal. He turned professional in 2000...
in straight sets, and in 2010, he beat world # 7 Andy Roddick
Andy Roddick
Andrew Stephen "Andy" Roddick is an American professional tennis player and a former World No. 1. He is currently the second highest-ranked American player, behind Mardy Fish....
in straight sets.
Early life
Sela's father Michael, a bus driver, and mother Anca, a nurse, immigrated to Israel from RomaniaRomania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
. His family name was originally Sălăjean, but his father changed it so that it would be more easily pronounced in Israel. He grew up in the small city of Kiryat Shmona, on the Israel-Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
border.
At the age of two, Dudi, diminutive of David, had his hands on his first racket, and at the age of seven he began to play tennis. His tennis idols were his brother Ofer, who was a top 200 player, and the Israeli Amos Mansdorf
Amos Mansdorf
Amos Mansdorf is a former professional tennis player.His best singles world ranking of 18 was the highest ever for any male, Israeli tennis player, reached in November 1987. His best doubles world ranking was 67, reached in May 1986.-Early life:...
. Sela spent hours as a junior studying tapes of Mansdorf, hoping to one day match his achievements.
Juniors: 2000–03
In April 2000 Sela won his first title, the HaifaHaifa
Haifa is the largest city in northern Israel, and the third-largest city in the country, with a population of over 268,000. Another 300,000 people live in towns directly adjacent to the city including the cities of the Krayot, as well as, Tirat Carmel, Daliyat al-Karmel and Nesher...
International title, with partner and countryman Idan Ben Harosh. In Corfu, Greece, Sela captured the doubles title, while narrowly losing the singles final.
In April 2001 he reached the Israel International singles final, and won the doubles title with Israeli Maor Zirkin. In July of the same year, he won his first singles title in Van Keeken of the Netherlands. The following month, at the Fischer Junior Open he won the singles, and also captured the doubles title with Michael Ryderstedt
Michael Ryderstedt
Michael Ryderstedt is a professional tennis player from Sweden.In August 2001, at the Fischer Junior Open he captured the doubles title with Dudi Sela of Israel....
of Sweden.
In 2002, Sela enjoyed a strong showing in the Australian Open Junior Competition, reaching the quarterfinals. In April, he took home the Beaulieu Sur Mer trophy with a strong performance. In the French Open Juniors he cracked the final eight.
2003 was Sela's last year as a junior. He reached the semifinals of the 2003 US Open Junior Championships, before losing to Marcos Baghdatis
Marcos Baghdatis
At the French Open, Baghdatis lost in the second round in five sets to Frenchman Julien Benneteau, 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 7-6, 4-6.At Wimbledon, Baghdatis defeated British player Andy Murray in the fourth round in straight sets. In the quarterfinals, Baghdatis beat the 2002 champion and former world no. 1...
. He also reached the Roland Garros Junior singles quarters for the second consecutive year, and won the French Open 2003 doubles title
2003 French Open
The 2003 French Open was the second Grand Slam event of 2003 and the 102nd edition of the French Open. It took place at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France, from May 26 through June 8, 2003.-Men's singles:...
with partner Győrgy Balázs of Hungary. In March 2003 he won the Australia F1 tournament in Tasmania
Tasmania
Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is south of the continent, separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania—the 26th largest island in the world—and the surrounding islands. The state has a population of 507,626 , of whom almost half reside in the greater Hobart...
. In July he triumphed at the Togliatti
Tolyatti
Tolyatti , also known as Togliatti, is a city in Samara Oblast, Russia. It serves as the administrative center of Stavropolsky District, although it is administratively separate from it...
competition in Russia, resulting in his ATP ranking shooting up 103 places to 256.
At his peak as a junior player, he was ranked # 12 in the ITF
International Tennis Federation
The International Tennis Federation is the governing body of world tennis, made up of 205 national tennis associations.It was established as the International Lawn Tennis Federation by 12 national associations meeting at a conference in Paris, France on 1 March 1913...
singles rankings, and # 16 in the doubles.
2004–06
His best results in 2004 were the semifinals at the Covington Challenger, and the quarterfinals in four other Challenger tournaments.Sela had a successful year on the ATP Challenger circuit
ATP Challenger Series
The ATP Challenger Tour, known until the end of 2008 as the ATP Challenger Series, is a series of international men's professional tennis tournaments...
in 2005, winning tournaments in Vancouver, Canada, and Lexington, Kentucky
Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships
The Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It is currently part of the Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour and the ITF Women's tour. It is held annually at the Hilary J...
, in consecutive weeks. He had a 21–11 record in Challengers.
In 2006 Sela won more USTA Pro Circuit singles titles than any other man – all at the Futures level – with five. He picked up consecutive wins twice during the year, at events in Claremont, California
Claremont, California
Claremont is a small affluent college town in eastern Los Angeles County, California, United States, about east of downtown Los Angeles at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. The population as of the 2010 census is 34,926. Claremont is known for its seven higher-education institutions, its...
, and Costa Mesa, California
Costa Mesa, California
Costa Mesa is a city in Orange County, California. The population was 109,960 at the 2010 census. Since its incorporation in 1953, the city has grown from a semi-rural farming community of 16,840 to a primarily suburban and "edge" city with an economy based on retail, commerce, and light...
, in September and in Waikoloa, Hawaii, and Honolulu in November. His other win came at a tournament
Price LeBlanc Lexus Pro Tennis Classic
The Baton Rouge Pro Tennis Classic is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It is currently part of the Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour. It is held annually at the Lamar Tennis Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, since 2006...
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is located in East Baton Rouge Parish and is the second-largest city in the state.Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, and research center of the American South...
, the last week of October.
2007
In January 2007, Sela qualified for the main draw of the 2007 Australian Open2007 Australian Open - Men's Singles
Roger Federer was the defending champion, and won in the final 7–6, 6–4, 6–4, against Fernando González, becoming the first man since Björn Borg in 1976 to win a Grand Slam tournament without dropping a set.-Seeds:...
. In the first round he upset Paradorn Srichaphan
Paradorn Srichaphan
Paradorn Srichaphan is a retired professional tennis player from Thailand. He is the highest ranked men's singles player from Thailand and Asia in history, reaching a career high World No. 9. His nickname is "Ball".-Career:...
of Thailand, who was ranked # 56 in the world. In the second round, he lost to Marat Safin
Marat Safin
Marat Mikhailovich Safin is a retired Russian tennis player of Tatar descent. Safin won two grand slams and reached the world number 1 ranking during his career. He was also famous for his emotional outbursts and sometimes fiery temper on court. Safin also holds the record for most broken...
in five sets, despite starting by leading the Russian two sets to one. In April 2007, Sela lost in the semifinals in a Challenger tournament to Paul Baccanello
Paul Baccanello
Paul Baccanello is an Australian professional tennis player. He has sustained various injuries during his career, which have hampered his results.- Career :...
in Lanzarote, Spain.
In July 2007 he lost in the finals of the Open Diputación
Open Diputación
The Open Diputación Ciudad de Pozoblanco is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It is currently part of the Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour. It has been held annually at the Club Tenis Pozoblanco in Pozoblanco, Spain since...
in Córdoba, Spain. In the tournament he defeated # 47 ranked Albert Montañés
Álbert Montañés
Albert Montañés Roca is a professional tennis player from Spain.He first entered the top-100 in 2001 and has been in the top-100 for all but 20 weeks since then...
7–5, 6–4. Later in July, he won a challenger title in Togliatti, Russia, his fourth career title, beating Russia's Mikhail Ledovskikh
Mikhail Ledovskikh
Mikhail Ledovskikh, born August 8, 1986. in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is a professional tennis player.Ledovskikh began playing tennis at age 7, one year after moving to Sochi with his family. He now lives in Sochi, Russia....
7–6 (3), 6–3 in the final.
Sela then qualified for the US Open. In the first round of the main draw he defeated Nicolás Lapentti
Nicolás Lapentti
----Nicolás Alexander Lapentti Gómez is a former professional tennis player from Ecuador who is ranked 214th...
, 5–7, 6–2, 6–1, 6–3, his fourth upset of a top 100 player in the first 8 months of the year. Lapentti was once ranked as high as # 6 in the world, but at the time of the match was ranked # 80. Sela lost to world # 23 Juan Mónaco
Juan Mónaco
Juan Mónaco , nicknamed "Pico", is a male tennis player from Argentina. He reached a career-high ranking of World No. 14 on February 4, 2008. He is sponsored by Adidas and Yonex.-Biography:...
in the second round, 6–4, 6–0, 6–7 (1), 6–4.
In October he first defeated world # 51 Juan Martín del Potro
Juan Martin Del Potro
Juan Martín del Potro is an Argentine professional tennis player. Del Potro achieved a top-10 ranking by the Association of Tennis Professionals for the first time on October 6, 2008. In January 2010, he reached a career-high ranking of world no. 4...
2–6, 7–5, 6–3 at the Japan Open in Tokyo, followed by # 90 Boris Pašanski
Boris Pašanski
Boris Pašanski is a professional tennis player on the ATP Tour. He was born in Belgrade, Serbia, in the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on November 3, 1982....
6–2, 4–0, ret. Sela won the Seoul Challenger tournament later in October, winning all five of his matches in straight sets. The win lifted him to a career-high 73 in the world.
Sela had considered retiring before the start of 2008 if he did not make a breakthrough, but things came together. In October he said: "My target is to reach the top 70 within the next year."
He lost in the finals of the ATP Taiwan Challenge in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is a city located in southwestern Taiwan, facing the Taiwan Strait on the west. Kaohsiung, officially named Kaohsiung City, is divided into thirty-eight districts. The city is one of five special municipalities of the Republic of China...
in November to Lu Yen-hsun
Lu Yen-hsun
Lu Yen-hsun is a Taiwanese professional tennis player. He goes by the nickname Rendy. As of November 1, 2010, Lu is ranked #33 in the world and #1 in Asia. His favorite surface is hardcourt.- Junior career:...
, 6–3, 6–3, but won the doubles title together with Stephen Amritraj
Stephen Amritraj
Stephen Amritraj is a now inactive professional tennis player who represented India.Amritraj is the son of former world tour player Anand Amritraj and cousin of fellow former pro Prakash Amritraj, both of whom also represented India...
of India. He won the Keio Challenger in Yokohama
Yokohama
is the capital city of Kanagawa Prefecture and the second largest city in Japan by population after Tokyo and most populous municipality of Japan. It lies on Tokyo Bay, south of Tokyo, in the Kantō region of the main island of Honshu...
the following week, losing only one set (in a tiebreaker). In December 2007, he had his revenge on Marat Safin in Saint Anton, with a straight-set win: 6–1, 6–4. It was his tenth win over a player in the top-100 in the year. For the year he compiled a 33–14 match record in Challenger play with two titles, went 10–5 (all on hard courts) in ATP level competition, and became the first Israeli man to finish in the top 100 since Harel Levy in 2001.
2008
In the Australian Open2008 Australian Open - Men's Singles
Roger Federer was the defending champion, but lost in the semifinals to Novak Djokovic.Novak Djokovic won in the final 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 7–6, against unseeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga...
, Sela won his first round match over qualifier Martin Slanar
Martin Slanar
-2007:Slanar's career finally got going in 2007. His career-best singles ranking is World No. 198.- External links :* *...
6–2, 6–4, 6–2. He lost his second round to world # 24 Ivo Karlović
Ivo Karlovic
Ivo Karlović is a Croatian tennis player. He has won four ATP singles titles: three in 2007 and one in 2008. Karlović is the tallest player ever on the ATP Tour at 208 cm . He is a serve-and-volleyer, Karlovic holds the fastest serve recorded in professional tennis, measured at 251 km/h ...
7–6 (5), 4–6, 3–6, 1–6.
In March at the Pacific Life Open he defeated world # 49 Nicolas Kiefer
Nicolas Kiefer
Nicolas Kiefer , is a former German professional tennis player. His mother, Nicole, is French. He won a silver medal in men's doubles with partner Rainer Schüttler at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens....
, 6–4, 6–7 (4), 6–3. Then at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami he defeated world # 48 Hyung-Taik Lee of Korea, 6–4, 6–3, and # 14 Tommy Robredo
Tommy Robredo
Tommy Robredo Garcés is a Spanish professional tennis player. On 8 May 2006, he broke into the world's top ten for the first time. His highest singles ranking to date is No...
of Spain in the 2nd round, 7–6 (5), 6–1. He defeated world # 88 Robby Ginepri
Robby Ginepri
Robert Louis Ginepri is an American professional tennis player.-Early life:Robby Ginepri is of Luxembourgish ancestry....
in April in Houston, 7–6 (5), 6–2. In May in Austria he defeated world # 80 Mischa Zverev
Mischa Zverev
Mikhail "Mischa" Zverev is a German professional tennis player. He is the son of former Russian tennis player Alexander Zverev, who is also his coach. He now resides in Monte-Carlo, Monaco and represents Germany internationally...
of Germany 7–6 (2), 6–0. In July he won the Vancouver challenger
Odlum Brown Vancouver Open
The Odlum Brown Vancouver Open is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It is currently part of the Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour, and of the International Tennis Federation Women's Circuit...
, beating Kevin Kim in the final, 6–3, 6–0.
Sela was gravely disappointed by the failure of the Israel Olympic Committee to allow him to represent Israel at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Despite the fact that Sela met the International Olympic Committee
International Olympic Committee
The International Olympic Committee is an international corporation based in Lausanne, Switzerland, created by Pierre de Coubertin on 23 June 1894 with Demetrios Vikelas as its first president...
's criteria to play in the Olympics, and the Israel Tennis Association
Israel Tennis Association
The Israel Tennis Association , founded in 1950, is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in Israel. The ITA governs the arrangements for Israeli tennis leagues and tournaments, Israel's Davis Cup participation, and Israeli participation in tennis tournaments abroad...
recommended that he deserved to go, the Israel Olympic Committee refused to accept the recommendation. Sela said he learned he wasn't going to be permitted to go to the Olympics because "I wasn’t inside the top 50 ranked players.... I met the International Olympic Committee's criteria. But they don’t want to send me, and I don’t understand why. It's not like I’m 500th in the world, I’m 60th. When Nicolás Massú
Nicolás Massú
Nicolás Alejandro Massú Fried , nicknamed Vampiro , is a Chilean tennis player, a former world number nine in singles, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist...
won the Olympics he was ranked 70th, so it shows anything can happen. I want to go and be the first Israeli to play in the men's singles for 20 years."
In August Sela defeated world # 97 Vince Spadea
Vince Spadea
Vincent Spadea [SPAY-dee-ya] is an ATP Tour professional tennis player from the United States. He is one of only four players in history to defeat Roger Federer 6–0 in set, at a major event....
of the United States 7–6 (6), 6–3 at the Legg Mason Classic
2008 Legg Mason Tennis Classic - Singles
Andy Roddick was the defending champion, but lost in the quarterfinals to Viktor Troicki.Juan Martín del Potro won in the final 6–3, 6–3, against Viktor Troicki.-Seeds:# Andy Roddick # Juan Martín del Potro...
in Washington. Later in the month he beat world # 99 Donald Young, 6–4, 6–2, in New Haven, Connecticut at the Pilot Pen tournament
2008 Pilot Pen Tennis - Men's Singles
James Blake was the defending champion, but chose not to participate that year.Marin Čilić won in the final 6–4, 4–6, 6–2, against Mardy Fish.-Seeds:All seeds receive a bye into the second round.# Fernando Verdasco ...
.
Sela reached his first ATP Tour final in September at the China Open
2008 China Open - Men's Singles
Fernando González was the defending champion, but lost in the quarterfinals to Björn Phau.Andy Roddick won in the final 6–4, 6–7, 6–3, against Dudi Sela.-Seeds:The top four seeds receive a bye into the second round.# David Ferrer ...
, while ranked # 92. Sela, unseeded, defeated the world # 61 Frenchman Nicolas Devilder
Nicolas Devilder
Nicolas Devilder is a French male tennis player. He reached a career high singles ranking of 60 in the world on September 8, 2008, after reaching the semifinals of the Montevideo Challenger, where he lost to former top ten player, Guillermo Cañas...
in the first round. In the second round, Sela upset the first seed and world # 5, David Ferrer
David Ferrer
David Ferrer Ern is a Spanish professional tennis player who lives in Valencia, Spain who is currently no. 5 in the ATP Rankings and the second-highest ranked Spaniard behind world no. 2 Rafael Nadal. He turned professional in 2000...
, in straight sets, 6–3, 6–3. Sela continued his run by defeating the sixth seed, world # 16 Tommy Robredo, 6–4, 6–1, and the seventh seed, world # 35 Rainer Schüttler
Rainer Schüttler
Rainer Schüttler is a German professional tennis player, ranked World No. 113 in the ATP rankings. He is the last German player who reached a final in a grand slam tournament....
, 6–3, 6–3. Sela was defeated by Andy Roddick
Andy Roddick
Andrew Stephen "Andy" Roddick is an American professional tennis player and a former World No. 1. He is currently the second highest-ranked American player, behind Mardy Fish....
in the final 6–4, 6–7 (6), 6–3. Sela became the first Israeli since Harel Levy
Harel Levy
Har'el Levy is an Israeli professional male tennis player. Levy's best singles ranking was # 30 in the world in 2001, and his best doubles ranking was # 76 in 2007....
in 2001 to reach an ATP final. "Dudi reached the final and realized he had it", said his brother Ofer. "He beat top-30 players day after day.... It was the first time he proved he was no paper tiger, but one who can dish it out to everyone. He always knew he had the potential, but suddenly he understood how to fulfill it."
In October, he defeated the world # 72 Victor Hănescu
Victor Hanescu
Victor Hănescu is a Romanian tennis player. He achieved his career high rank of no. 26 on July 6, 2009.- Professional career :...
at the Kremlin Cup
2008 Kremlin Cup - Men's Singles
Nikolay Davydenko was the defending champion, but lost in the quarterfinals to Marat Safin.Igor Kunitsyn won in the final 7–6, 6–7, 6–3, against Marat Safin.-Seeds:# Nikolay Davydenko # Igor Andreev ...
, 6–3, 3–6, 6–2.
By December 2008 Sela had slipped out of the top 100, however, and he was advised to skip his year-end vacation and play three Challenger tournaments that month. That way he could earn some money, return to the top 100, and qualify directly for the Australian Open. Instead, Sela chose to return to Israel for a month of training, and work on his weaknesses with his coach, Yoram Menahem. During that time he changed his stance and serve. "Many would have opted for the Challengers, and the safe money", said his brother Ofer seven months later, "but Dudi was very confident in his decision, and looking back he really matured with it. His career looks different now."
2009
In the Australian Open2009 Australian Open - Men's Singles
The 2009 men's tournament is considered to be one of the best Grand Slam tournaments in open era history. It is remembered for containing many of the best matches of the 2009 year, including the Nadal v Verdasco semi final and the Nadal v Federer final...
, Sela won three rounds of qualifiers in order to make the main draw. In the final round, Sela beat Grega Žemlja
Grega Žemlja
Grega Žemlja is a tennis player from Slovenia.Žemlja reached his highest world ranking #111 in singles and #252 in doubles. He lives in Kranj, Slovenia...
of Slovenia
Slovenia
Slovenia , officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north, and also has a small portion of...
in dramatic fashion, surviving six match point
Match point
Match point may refer to:* Match point is won if the player in the lead scores * Match Point, a 2005 film directed by Woody Allen* Bridge...
s to win 6–2, 2–6, 8–6.
In the main draw, Sela beat 30th-seeded German veteran Rainer Schüttler
Rainer Schüttler
Rainer Schüttler is a German professional tennis player, ranked World No. 113 in the ATP rankings. He is the last German player who reached a final in a grand slam tournament....
, who was ranked number 31 in the world, 1–6, 6–2, 6–4, 6–4. In the second round, he defeated world number 44 Victor Hănescu
Victor Hanescu
Victor Hănescu is a Romanian tennis player. He achieved his career high rank of no. 26 on July 6, 2009.- Professional career :...
of Romania
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
, 6–3, 6–3, 6–2, saving all 12 of Hănescu's break points. He was the first Israeli man to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Amos Mansdorf
Amos Mansdorf
Amos Mansdorf is a former professional tennis player.His best singles world ranking of 18 was the highest ever for any male, Israeli tennis player, reached in November 1987. His best doubles world ranking was 67, reached in May 1986.-Early life:...
progressed to the round of 32 in Wimbledon in 1994. In the round of 32, however, Sela was defeated by fifth-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, 6–4, 6–2, 1–6, 6–1.
In February at the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships
2009 Regions Morgan Keegan Championships - Singles
Steve Darcis was the defending champion, but lost in the first round to Andy Roddick.-Seeds:# Andy Roddick '# Juan Martín del Potro # James Blake # Robin Söderling ...
in Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers....
, Sela made it through two rounds of qualifying matches, and then as far as the semifinals. Along the way he beat world number 92 Robert Kendrick
Robert Kendrick
Robert Bradley Kendrick is an American tennis player. He turned professional in 1999. His career high single ranking is world no. 69, achieved on July 20, 2009. He was suspended for a year after testing positive at the 2011 French Open for the drug methylhexanamine, which has been banned in sport...
, 6–4, 6–4, world number 73 Bobby Reynolds
Bobby Reynolds
----Robert "Bobby" Thomas Reynolds in Cape Cod, Massachusetts) is an American professional tennis player who resides in Acworth, Georgia.-Professional career:...
, 7–64, 6–2, world number 54 Florent Serra
Florent Serra
Florent Lucien Serra is a French male tennis player. A right-hander, he has won two ATP titles during his career and is coached by Pierre Cherret.-Early life and junior career:...
of France, 7–64, 7–64, and world number 43 Igor Kunitsyn
Igor Kunitsyn
Igor Kunitsyn is a professional male tennis player from Russia. He made it into the top 100 for the first time in 2006, and reached a career-high singles ranking of 35 on July 6, 2009.-Early life:...
of Russia, 4–6, 6–4, 6–2. With that, he raised his world ranking to number 65. In late February at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships
Delray Beach International Tennis Championships
The International Tennis Championships is an ATP World Tour 250 series men's tennis tournament held every year in Delray Beach, Florida, and played on hard courts. The event was held in Coral Springs from 1993–1998; in 1999, it was relocated to the Delray Beach Tennis Center...
, he beat world number 80 Philipp Petzschner
Philipp Petzschner
Philipp Petzschner is a professional German tennis player. He is known for his hard-hitting and incredible bursts of speed around the court, and now for controversy in the US Open Men's Doubles Final which he won partnered with Jurgen Melzer against the Polish team of Fystenberg/Matkowski...
of Germany, 6–3, 4–1, ret. In March, he defeated world number 42 José Acasuso
José Acasuso
José Javier "Chucho" Acasuso is a professional male tennis player from Argentina. Like many of his fellow countrymen, he favours clay. He is known for his strong serve and his hard groundstrokes off both sides...
at the BMW Tennis Championship
BMW Tennis Championship
The BMW Tennis Championship is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It is currently part of the Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour. It is held annually at the Sunrise Tennis Club in Sunrise, Florida, USA, since 2004.-Singles:-Doubles:-External links:**...
, but withdrew in his next match after suffering a leg injury.
In May, he reached a new career-high world ranking of number 55. That month, he won his first round match at the 2009 French Open, his first French Open victory ever, against Jean-René Lisnard
Jean-René Lisnard
Jean-René Lisnard is a professional tennis player who represents Monaco, and formerly France. He has been a member of the Monaco Davis Cup team since 2007...
of Monaco
Monaco
Monaco , officially the Principality of Monaco , is a sovereign city state on the French Riviera. It is bordered on three sides by its neighbour, France, and its centre is about from Italy. Its area is with a population of 35,986 as of 2011 and is the most densely populated country in the...
, 6–4, 6–3, 4–6, 6–3. In June at the Ordina Open
2009 Ordina Open - Men's Singles
David Ferrer was the defending champion, but lost in the quarterfinals to Iván Navarro.-Seeds:# Fernando Verdasco # Tommy Robredo # David Ferrer # Rainer Schüttler ...
, he defeated world number 59 Christophe Rochus
Christophe Rochus
Christophe Rochus is a retired professional male tennis player from Belgium.Rochus is the older brother of Olivier Rochus, also a tennis player who has been slightly more successful than Christophe. He reached the singles finals of two ATP tournaments: Valencia and Rotterdam but lost them both...
, 6–2, 6–4, and at 's-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands in a grass-court tuneup for Wimbledon, he beat world number 39 Igor Kunitsyn, 6–4, 6–3. He again reached a career-high singles ranking, this time number 46.
In the first round at Wimbledon, Sela defeated Mexican Santiago González, 6–4, 4–6, 7–62, 6–3. In the second round, he upset 2008 semifinalist, world number 29 German Rainer Schüttler
Rainer Schüttler
Rainer Schüttler is a German professional tennis player, ranked World No. 113 in the ATP rankings. He is the last German player who reached a final in a grand slam tournament....
, seeded eighteenth, 7–6, 6–3, 6–2. In the match, Sela produced an exciting array of shots, and exhibited a fierce backhand, as well as more subtle drop shot
Drop shot
A drop shot in tennis is slicing, putting a backspin on the ball just over the net. A good drop shot travels such that the opponent is unable to run fast enough to retrieve it....
s.
In the third round, Sela was urged on by a contingent of supporters who for much of the first two sets chanted a Hebrew song, translated roughly as: "David
David
David was the second king of the united Kingdom of Israel according to the Hebrew Bible and, according to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, an ancestor of Jesus Christ through both Saint Joseph and Mary...
, King of Israel is alive and lives on!" Sela combined solid ground strokes that included a potent backhand with a series of increasingly effective rushes of the net to defeat world number 15 Tommy Robredo
Tommy Robredo
Tommy Robredo Garcés is a Spanish professional tennis player. On 8 May 2006, he broke into the world's top ten for the first time. His highest singles ranking to date is No...
of Spain, seeded fifteenth, 7–6 (8), 7–5, 2–6, 7–5; he is now 3–0 lifetime against Robredo. Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera is an independent broadcaster owned by the state of Qatar through the Qatar Media Corporation and headquartered in Doha, Qatar...
described the upset as a "shock result". That advanced Sela to the round of 16, his first Grand Slam 4th round, which The Independent
The Independent
The Independent is a British national morning newspaper published in London by Independent Print Limited, owned by Alexander Lebedev since 2010. It is nicknamed the Indy, while the Sunday edition, The Independent on Sunday, is the Sindy. Launched in 1986, it is one of the youngest UK national daily...
described as the "surprise of the week". Sela became the first Israeli man in 20 years (since Amos Mansdorf
Amos Mansdorf
Amos Mansdorf is a former professional tennis player.His best singles world ranking of 18 was the highest ever for any male, Israeli tennis player, reached in November 1987. His best doubles world ranking was 67, reached in May 1986.-Early life:...
in 1989
1989 Wimbledon Championships - Men's Singles
Stefan Edberg was the defending champion but lost in the final 6–0, 7–6 , 6–4 to Boris Becker.-Seeds:A champion seed is indicated in bold text while text in italics indicates the round in which that seed was eliminated.-Finals:...
) to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon, and the fourth Israeli man ever (and first since Mansdorf at the 1992 Australian Open
1992 Australian Open - Men's Singles
The 1992 Australian Open Men's Singles was won by Jim Courier, who defeated Stefan Edberg 6–3 3–6 6–4 6–2 in the final.-Seeds:The seeded players are listed below. Jim Courier is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.-Key:...
) to reach the fourth round in a Grand Slam. The victory guaranteed him a payday of at least $80,000.
Sela next sought to join Shlomo Glickstein
Shlomo Glickstein
Shlomo Glickstein is an Israeli former professional tennis player.He reached his career-high singles ranking of World # 22 in November 1982, and his career-high doubles ranking of World # 28 in February 1986....
(1981 Australian Open
1981 Australian Open - Men's Singles
Johan Kriek defeated Steve Denton 6–2 7–6 6–7 6–4 in the final to win the Men's Singles title at the 1981 Australian Open.See also:-Key:* Q = Qualifier* WC = Wild Card* L = Loser* r. = retired-Final Eight:-Section 1:-Section 2:-Section 3:...
), Mansdorf (1992 Australian Open
1992 Australian Open - Men's Singles
The 1992 Australian Open Men's Singles was won by Jim Courier, who defeated Stefan Edberg 6–3 3–6 6–4 6–2 in the final.-Seeds:The seeded players are listed below. Jim Courier is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.-Key:...
), and Shahar Pe'er (2007 Australian Open
2007 Australian Open - Women's Singles
-Seeds:# Maria Sharapova # Amélie Mauresmo # Svetlana Kuznetsova # Kim Clijsters # Nadia Petrova # Martina Hingis # Elena Dementieva ...
and 2007 US Open
2007 U.S. Open - Women's Singles
Maria Sharapova was the defending champion, but she was defeated in the third round to thirtieth seed Agnieszka Radwańska.Justine Henin claimed the title without dropping a set, and defeating 2004 champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the final, 6–1, 6–3...
) as the only Israelis to have made it to a Grand Slam quarterfinal. He was defeated in the fourth round, however, by the 2008 Australian Open champion, then-world number 4 Serbian Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is a Serbian professional tennis player who has been ranked world no. 1 by the Association of Tennis Professionals since 4 July 2011. He has won four Grand Slam singles titles: the 2008 and 2011 Australian Open, the 2011 Wimbledon Championships, and the 2011 US Open...
, 6–2, 6–4, 6–1.
On the strength of his Wimbledon performance, Sela rose to a career-high world number 33 in July 2009. Following his victory in the Davis Cup against Russia the next week, he rose again to a new career high, this time number 29, one better than the career-high of Davis Cup teammate Harel Levy.
In late July, Sela was seeded second for the 2009 Indianapolis Tennis Championships
2009 Indianapolis Tennis Championships
The 2009 Indianapolis Tennis Championships was a tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It was the 22nd edition of the event known that year as the Indianapolis Tennis Championships and was part of the ATP World Tour 250 series of the 2009 ATP World Tour...
in singles. In doubles, Sela partnered American Jesse Levine
Jesse Levine
Jesse Levine is a Canadian-born American professional tennis player. He achieved his career-high singles rank of No. 94 on November 3, 2008....
and defeated Denis Istomin
Denis Istomin
Denis Istomin is a professional Uzbek tennis player. His career high rank is #39, achieved on August 30, 2010. He is coached by his mother.- 2006 :...
of Uzbekistan and Josselin Ouanna
Josselin Ouanna
Josselin Ouanna is a French tennis player. While a junior, he reached the final of the 2004 Australian Open. On October 20, 2008, he beat #46 Ivan Ljubičić in the first round of the Grand Prix de Tennis de Lyon as a wild-card entry ranked #182. He then beat #83 Nicolás Lapentti but lost to #10...
of France, 6–4, 6–4, to make it to the quarterfinals.
2010
On June 10, 2010, at the 2010 AEGON Championships2010 AEGON Championships
The 2010 AEGON Championships was a tennis tournament played on outdoor grass courts. It was the 39th edition of the AEGON Championships and was part of the ATP World Tour 250 series of the 2010 ATP World Tour. It took place at the Queen's Club in London, United Kingdom, from June 7 through June 13,...
, Sela upset number 4 seed, and world number 7, Andy Roddick
Andy Roddick
Andrew Stephen "Andy" Roddick is an American professional tennis player and a former World No. 1. He is currently the second highest-ranked American player, behind Mardy Fish....
in straight sets 6–4, 7–610–8.
On August 8, 2010, he won the Odlum Brown Vancouver Open
Odlum Brown Vancouver Open
The Odlum Brown Vancouver Open is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It is currently part of the Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour, and of the International Tennis Federation Women's Circuit...
title, upsetting the first seed Taylor Dent
Taylor Dent
Taylor Phillip Dent is a retired professional tennis player from the United States.-Early career and back injury:He won 4 ATP singles titles during his career: Newport , Bangkok , Memphis , and Moscow , and reached the finals of three other events on tour...
in the semifinal and the fourth seed Ričardas Berankis
Ricardas Berankis
Ričardas Berankis is a Lithuanian professional tennis player. He is the highest ranked Lithuanian tennis player of all time.- Early career :Berankis began playing tennis at the age of two...
in the final. He has a career 15–0 in this tournament (including winning 2005 and 2008 titles).
Davis Cup
In late 2005, he joined the Israeli Davis Cup teamIsrael Davis Cup team
The Israel Davis Cup team represents Israel in Davis Cup tennis competition and is governed by the Israel Tennis Association....
. He is 12–6 through July 2009.
In April 2007 he upset Andreas Seppi
Andreas Seppi
Andreas Seppi is a professional tennis player from South Tyrol, northern Italy, who turned professional in 2000. He considers clay and hard courts his favourite surfaces. and is coached by Massimo Sartori....
, ranked # 91 in the world, 6–3, 7–5, 1–6, 3–6, 6–3, as Israel defeated Italy
Italy Davis Cup team
The Italy Davis Cup team represents Italy in Davis Cup tennis competition and are governed by the Federazione Italiana Tennis.Italy won the Davis Cup in 1976, and finished as runners-up 6 times . They currently compete in the Europe/Africa Zone of Group I...
.
Before the Chile
Chile Davis Cup team
The Chile Davis Cup Team represents Chile in Davis Cup tennis tournament and is governed by Chile Tennis Federation. The team is currently captained by former Chilean tennis player Hans Gildemeister.-History:...
-Israel Davis Cup match began in September 2007, even The Jewish Chronicle
The Jewish Chronicle
The Jewish Chronicle is a London-based Jewish newspaper. Founded in 1841, it is the oldest continuously published Jewish newspaper in the world.-Publication data and readership figures:...
wrote: "Led by Fernando González (6) and Nicolás Massú (72), it is hard to see Israel's Dudi Sela (105) and Noam Okun (186), backed up by doubles specialists Andy Ram
Andy Ram
Andy Ram is a professional tennis player from Israel, and the first Israeli tennis player to win a seniors Grand Slam event . He plays more doubles than singles as he prefers doubles more and wins more matches...
and Jonathan Erlich
Jonathan Erlich
Jonathan Dario "Yoni" Erlich is a professional Israeli tennis player...
, winning the contest. González and Massú are also a formidable doubles partnership, having won the Olympic gold medal in Athens in 2004."
That same month, before playing Nicolás Massú
Nicolás Massú
Nicolás Alejandro Massú Fried , nicknamed Vampiro , is a Chilean tennis player, a former world number nine in singles, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist...
of Chile in the first match of the tie, Sela said: "We like being the underdog. I'm very pleased with the fact that I'm playing first and I'm very confident of claiming the win." He then proceeded to upset Massu, ranked # 72 in the world, and formerly ranked # 9 in the world, in a 5-hour 7-minute match, 6–3, 6–4, 6–7 (3), 6–4. "This is definitely the biggest win in my career", Sela said afterwards.Later in that Davis Cup tie, Dudi Sela defeated # 7 in the world Fernando González
Fernando González
----Fernando Francisco González Ciuffardi is a professional tennis player from Chile. He is known for having one of the hardest forehands on the circuit. In Spanish he is called El Bombardero de La Reina and Mano de Piedra...
4–6, 7–6 (5), 5–7, 7–6 (7), 6–3 in a 5-hour 1-minute match. It is arguably the greatest tennis match ever played in Israel. The victory lifted Israel over Chile and into 2008's World Group. Gonzalez was at the time the highest-ranked player Sela had ever beaten in his career (he later beat world # 5 David Ferrer in Beijing in September 2008), and his 6th upset of a top-100 player in the first 9 months of the year. Elated, Sela said "This is definitely the happiest day of my life." Sela was congratulated over the phone by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
Ehud Olmert
Ehud Olmert is an Israeli politician and lawyer. He served as Prime Minister of Israel from 2006 to 2009, as a Cabinet Minister from 1988 to 1992 and from 2003 to 2006, and as Mayor of Jerusalem from 1993 to 2003....
and President Shimon Peres
Shimon Peres
GCMG is the ninth President of the State of Israel. Peres served twice as the eighth Prime Minister of Israel and once as Interim Prime Minister, and has been a member of 12 cabinets in a political career spanning over 66 years...
after the match.
In the 2008 World Group
2008 Davis Cup World Group
The World Group is the highest level of Davis Cup competition in 2008. The first round losers go into the 2008 Davis Cup World Group Play-offs while the winners progress to the quarterfinals. The quarterfinalists are guaranteed a World Group spot for 2009....
, Israel hosted Sweden
Sweden Davis Cup team
The Sweden Davis Cup team represents Sweden in Davis Cup tennis competition and is governed by the Svenska Tennisförbundet.Sweden is the 5th most successful nation, winning the title 7 times...
in Ramat HaSharon
Ramat Hasharon
Ramat HaSharon is a city located on Israel's central coastal strip in the south of the Sharon region, bordering Tel Aviv to the south and Herzliya and Kibbutz Glil Yam to the north. It is part of the Tel Aviv District, within Gush Dan metropolitan area...
. Sela started with a win against world # 71 Jonas Björkman
Jonas Björkman
Jonas Lars Björkman is a former World Number 4 Swedish professional tennis player. He is also a former World No. 1 in doubles. Björkman retired from professional tennis after competing at the 2008 Tennis Masters Cup Doubles championships....
7–6, 6–3, 6–1, and gave Israel an advantage of 1–0. He then lost to world # 60 Thomas Johansson
Thomas Johansson
Karl Thomas Conny Johansson , commonly known as Thomas Johansson, is a former Swedish professional tennis player. He is a former Australian Open singles champion and Olympic silver medalist in doubles.-Junior career:...
7–6 (6), 6–1, 7–5, as Israel lost the tie 3–2. In the 2008 World Group Playoffs
2008 Davis Cup World Group Play-offs
This article gives details on the 2008 Davis Cup World Group play-offs. The ties were played on the weekend of 19 to 21 September 2008 and the winners would return to the World Group for 2009. The eight losing teams from the 2008 Davis Cup World Group first round ties and the eight Group 1 winners...
, Sela led the Israeli team to a 4–1 victory over Peru
Peru Davis Cup team
The Peru Davis Cup Team is the Davis Cup team that represents the nation of Peru. The team is governed by the Federación de Tenis de Peru. They currently compete in the Americas Zone Group I, and their best result was reaching the World Group in 2008....
at Ramat Hasharon. Sela won both his singles contests, defeating Iván Miranda
Ivan Miranda
Iván Miranda Chang , is a professional tennis player from Peru. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 104 in 2003....
and Luis Horna
Luis Horna
Luis Horna Biscari is a former tour professional tennis player from Peru, who turned professional in 1998. Horna plays right-handed, he has a strong serve for a relatively short player and the forehand is his best stroke. He uses a single-handed backhand and his favourite surface is clay...
.
In the 2009 World Group Playoffs in March 2009, Israel again faced seven-time Davis Cup champion Sweden
Sweden Davis Cup team
The Sweden Davis Cup team represents Sweden in Davis Cup tennis competition and is governed by the Svenska Tennisförbundet.Sweden is the 5th most successful nation, winning the title 7 times...
. An amusing moment occurred during Sela's opening match when the Israeli fans, to the Que Sera, Sera tune of the Doris Day
Doris Day
Doris Day is an American actress, singer and, since her retirement from show business, an animal rights activist. With an entertainment career that spanned through almost 50 years, Day started her career as a big band singer in 1939, but only began to be noticed after her first hit recording,...
hit song from the 1950s, sang "Dudi Sela, Sela, whatever will be will be." Sela led the Israeli team to a come-from-behind 3–2 victory over the 7-time Davis Cup champion Swedes at Baltic Hall in Malmö, Sweden, to advance in the 2009 Davis Cup. Sela won each of his singles matches in 5 sets, coming from behind to defeat Andreas Vinciguerra
Andreas Vinciguerra
Andreas Vinciguerra is a tennis player from Sweden, who turned professional in 1998. He was an impressive junior, winning the European junior championships and making the final of the junior Australian Open when he was 17, when he finished number 6 in the junior rankings.-Tennis career:Vinciguerra...
in his hometown 4–6, 6–3, 3–6, 6–3, 11–9, and came from behind to stun 2002 Australian Open
2002 Australian Open
List of the 2002 Australian Open champions:-Men's Singles: Thomas Johansson def. Marat Safin, 3–6, 6–4, 6–4, 7–6...
champion Thomas Johansson
Thomas Johansson
Karl Thomas Conny Johansson , commonly known as Thomas Johansson, is a former Swedish professional tennis player. He is a former Australian Open singles champion and Olympic silver medalist in doubles.-Junior career:...
3–6, 6–1, 4–6, 6–4, 6–2. Sela views it as the biggest win of his career to that point. In their 84-year Davis Cup history, the Swedes had never before lost a tie after holding a 2–1 lead. The last time Israel's Davis Cup team reached the level of being one the top eight tennis nations in the world was in 1987, against India
India Davis Cup team
The India Davis Cup team represents India in Davis Cup tennis competition and are governed by the All India Tennis Association.India finished as runners-up 3 times . In 1974, the final was scratched and South Africa were awarded the Davis Cup after India refused to particapate in the final due to...
.
Israel (ranked 8th in the Davis Cup standings, with 5,394 points) hosted heavily favored Russia
Russia Davis Cup team
The Russia Davis Cup team represents Russia in Davis Cup tennis competition and is governed by the Russian Tennis Federation. The team started playing in 1993....
(which won in both 2002 and 2006, and was the top-ranked country in Davis Cup standings, with 27,897 points) in a Davis Cup quarterfinal tie in July 2009, on indoor hard courts at the Nokia Arena in Tel Aviv. Israel was represented by Sela, Harel Levy
Harel Levy
Har'el Levy is an Israeli professional male tennis player. Levy's best singles ranking was # 30 in the world in 2001, and his best doubles ranking was # 76 in 2007....
, Jonathan Erlich, and Andy Ram. Russia's lineup consisted of Marat Safin
Marat Safin
Marat Mikhailovich Safin is a retired Russian tennis player of Tatar descent. Safin won two grand slams and reached the world number 1 ranking during his career. He was also famous for his emotional outbursts and sometimes fiery temper on court. Safin also holds the record for most broken...
(# 60 in the world; former world # 1), Igor Andreev
Igor Andreev
Igor Valerievich Andreev is a Russian professional tennis player, born in Moscow.-2003:Andreev made his ATP debut in September 2003 at Bucharest, Romania as a qualifier and defeated top seed Nikolay Davydenko 7–5, 6–7, 6–0 in the first round, before losing in the next round to José Acasuso.At the...
(24), Igor Kunitsyn
Igor Kunitsyn
Igor Kunitsyn is a professional male tennis player from Russia. He made it into the top 100 for the first time in 2006, and reached a career-high singles ranking of 35 on July 6, 2009.-Early life:...
(35), and Mikhail Youzhny
Mikhail Youzhny
Mikhail Mikhailovich Youzhny , is a professional Russian tennis player, noted for his consistency and all-court play style. He has been coached by Boris Sobkin for 17 years....
(69; former world # 8). Sela said before the tie: "We feel we can beat the Russians." The stage was then set by Safin, who prior to the tie told the press: "With all due respect, Israel was lucky to get to the quarterfinals." The Israeli team's response was to beat the Russian team in each of their first three matches, thereby winning the tie. Levy, world # 210, beat Russia's top player, Andreev, world # 24, 6–4, 6–2, 4–6, 6–2 in the opening match. Sela (# 33) followed by beating Russian Youzhny 3–6, 6–1, 6–0, 7–5. Israeli captain Eyal Ran
Eyal Ran
Eyal Ran is a professional Israeli tennis player and Captain of the Israeli Davis Cup team.His career high ATP ranking in singles was 138 , and in doubles it was 71 .-Tennis career:...
likened his players to two fighter jets on court, saying: "I felt as if I had two F-16s out there today, they played amazingly well." The 10,500 spectators were the largest crowd ever for a tennis match in Israel. The next day Israelis Ram and Erlich beat Safin and Kunitsyn 6–3, 6–4, 6–7 (3), 4–6, 6–4 in front of a boisterous crowd of over 10,000. Even the Saudi Gazette
Saudi Gazette
Saudi Gazette is the leading English language daily newspaper published in Saudi Arabia. and is currently available both in print and online.As of July 1, 2011, Dr Omar S. Elmershedi is the Saudi Gazette Editor-in-Chief.Managing Editor: Shams Ahsan...
described the doubles match as a "thrilling" win. Ran was carried shoulder-high around the Tel Aviv stadium, as the 10,000-strong crowd applauded. With the tie clinched for Israel, the reverse singles rubbers were "dead", and instead of best-of-five matches, best-of-three sets were played, with the outcomes of little to no importance. Israel wrapped up a 4–1 victory over Russia, as Levy defeated Kunitsyn 6–4, 4–6, 7–6 (2), while Sela retired with a wrist injury while down 3–4 in the first set against Andreev.
Israel, however, lost to Spain in the semi-finals, 4–1. Their only win coming in the last match, in which Harel Levy beat Juan Carlos Ferrero
Juan Carlos Ferrero
Juan Carlos Ferrero Donat is a professional tennis player, and a former world no. 1 player, from Spain. He captured the men's singles title at the 2003 French Open, and in September of that year, he became the 21st player to hold the world no. 1 ranking. He was also the runner-up at the 2002...
.
Playing style
Sela is very fast, and viewed as a serve and volleyServe and volley
Serve and volley is a style of play in tennis where the player serving moves quickly towards the net after hitting a serve. The server then attempts to hit a volley , as opposed to the baseline style, where the server would stay back following the serve and attempt to hit a groundstroke Serve and...
er by some. The versatility that he demonstrates with his one-handed backhand is seldom matched by anyone on the circuit.
Coaching
During his career he has also been coached by his brother Ofer Sela, Australian-born former Israeli Davis Cup coach Ron Steele, and Israelis Noam BehrNoam Behr
Noam Behr is an Israeli professional tennis player who turned pro in 1994.His career-high singles ranking was # 127 , and his career-high doubles ranking was # 109 .-Tennis career:...
, Yoav Shab, Yoram Menahem, and Amos Mansdorf
Amos Mansdorf
Amos Mansdorf is a former professional tennis player.His best singles world ranking of 18 was the highest ever for any male, Israeli tennis player, reached in November 1987. His best doubles world ranking was 67, reached in May 1986.-Early life:...
.
Jewish heritage
Sela, along with Jesse LevineJesse Levine
Jesse Levine is a Canadian-born American professional tennis player. He achieved his career-high singles rank of No. 94 on November 3, 2008....
and Shahar Pe'er
Shahar Pe'er
Shahar Pe'er is an Israeli professional tennis player. Her career-high singles ranking is World No. 11, which she achieved on January 31, 2011 ....
is one of a number of young Jewish tennis players who are highly ranked. "It's very special being able to play around the world", Sela said. "It is fun playing in different places because Jewish people will come out to watch me."
Sela enjoys support outside of Israel from his fan brigade, known as the "Hebrew Hammer", whose chanting in both English and Hebrew aims to replicate the raucous atmosphere of tennis matches in Tel Aviv that helped him defeat the likes of González in arguably his most historic victory. Originating at the LA Tennis Open in 2008, the Hebrew Hammer has been spotlit on telecasts by the Tennis Channel.
Singles wins (19)
| Legend (Singles) |
|---|
| Grand Slam (0) |
| Tennis Masters Cup (0) |
| ATP Masters Series (0) |
| ATP Tour (0) |
| Challenger Tour Finals (0) |
| Challengers (12) |
| Futures (7) |
| No. | Date | Tournament | Surface | Opponent in the final | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | March 29, 2003 |  BurnieBurnie, Tasmania - Sport :Australian rules football is popular in Burnie. The city's team is the Burnie Dockers Football Club in the Tasmanian State League.Rugby union is also played in Burnie. The local club is the Burnie Rugby Union Club. They are the current Tasmanian Rugby Union Statewide Division Two Premiers... , Australia |
Hard | Paul Baccanello Paul Baccanello Paul Baccanello is an Australian professional tennis player. He has sustained various injuries during his career, which have hampered his results.- Career :... |
4–3 RET |
| 2. | July 14, 2003 |  Togliatti, Russia |
Hard |  Juan Pablo BrzezickiJuan Pablo Brzezicki Juan Pablo Brzezicki is a professional tennis player from Buenos Aires, Argentina.In 2007, Brzezicki was the Argentine surprise at the French Open, one of the four tennis Grand Slams, by reaching the third round before losing to his idol Carlos Moyà of Spain... |
6–2, 6–4 |
| 3. | February 26, 2005 | Gosford, Australia |
Hard | Sadik Kadir |
6–1, 6–1 |
| 4. | July 25, 2005 |  LexingtonFifth Third Bank Tennis Championships The Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It is currently part of the Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour and the ITF Women's tour. It is held annually at the Hilary J... , United States |
Hard | Bobby Reynolds Bobby Reynolds ----Robert "Bobby" Thomas Reynolds in Cape Cod, Massachusetts) is an American professional tennis player who resides in Acworth, Georgia.-Professional career:... |
6–3, 3–6, 6–4 |
| 5. | August 1, 2005 |  VancouverOdlum Brown Vancouver Open The Odlum Brown Vancouver Open is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It is currently part of the Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour, and of the International Tennis Federation Women's Circuit... , Canada |
Hard | Paul Baccanello Paul Baccanello Paul Baccanello is an Australian professional tennis player. He has sustained various injuries during his career, which have hampered his results.- Career :... |
6–2, 6–3 |
| 6. | September 16, 2006 | California California California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area... , USA |
Hard |  Sascha Kloer |
5–1 RET |
| 7. | September 23, 2006 | California California California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area... , USA |
Hard | Robert Yim |
7–5, 6–4 |
| 8. | October 28, 2006 | Louisiana Louisiana Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties... , USA |
Hard |  Izak Van der MerweIzak van der Merwe - Professional career :In June 2008, van der Merwe qualified into the 2008 Wimbledon main draw, beating World No. 177 Miguel Ángel López Jaén, World No. 126 Kristian Pless, and World No. 246 Frédéric Niemeyer... |
5–7, 6–4, 6–3 |
| 9. | November 18, 2006 | Hawaii, USA |
Hard | Lesley Joseph |
6–1, 6–4 |
| 10. | November 25, 2006 | Hawaii, USA |
Hard | Fritz Wolmarans Fritz Wolmarans Fritz Wolmarans is a South African tennis player playing on the ATP Challenger Tour. He has also played for the South Africa Davis Cup team.... |
6–3, 6–3 |
| 11. | July 16, 2007 | Togliatti, Russia |
Hard | Mikhail Ledovskikh Mikhail Ledovskikh Mikhail Ledovskikh, born August 8, 1986. in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is a professional tennis player.Ledovskikh began playing tennis at age 7, one year after moving to Sochi with his family. He now lives in Sochi, Russia.... |
7–6, 6–3 |
| 12. | October 22, 2007 |  SeoulSamsung Securities Cup The Samsung Securities Cup is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It is currently part of the Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour. It is held annually in Seoul, South Korea, since 2000.-Men's Singles:... , South Korea |
Hard |  Konstantinos EconomidisKonstantinos Economidis Konstantinos Economidis is a professional Greek tennis player. In 2007, he qualified for the French Open and defeated Australian Chris Guccione in the first round before losing to Tommy Robredo in the second round. He suffered injury in 2008 and in January 2010 was ranked 653 in the world. He... |
6–4, 6–4 |
| 13. | November 19, 2007 |  Yokohama, Japan |
Hard | Takao Suzuki Takao Suzuki ----Takao Suzuki is a professional tennis player on the ATP Tour from Japan.... |
6–7, 6–4, 6–2 |
| 14. | July 28, 2008 | Vancouver Odlum Brown Vancouver Open The Odlum Brown Vancouver Open is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It is currently part of the Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour, and of the International Tennis Federation Women's Circuit... , Canada |
Hard | Kevin Kim Kevin Kim - External links :* *... |
6–3, 6–0 |
| 15. | May 2, 2010 | Rhodes Aegean Tennis Cup The Ixian Grand Aegean Tennis Cup is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It is currently part of the Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour. It is held annually at the Rhodes Tennis Club in Rhodes, Greece, since 2009.-Singles:-Doubles:-External links:**... , Greece |
Hard | Rainer Schüttler Rainer Schüttler Rainer Schüttler is a German professional tennis player, ranked World No. 113 in the ATP rankings. He is the last German player who reached a final in a grand slam tournament.... |
7–6, 6–3 |
| 16. | August 9, 2010 | Vancouver Odlum Brown Vancouver Open The Odlum Brown Vancouver Open is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It is currently part of the Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour, and of the International Tennis Federation Women's Circuit... , Canada |
Hard |  Ričardas BerankisRicardas Berankis Ričardas Berankis is a Lithuanian professional tennis player. He is the highest ranked Lithuanian tennis player of all time.- Early career :Berankis began playing tennis at the age of two... |
7–5, 6–2 |
| 17. | May 15, 2011 | Busan, South Korea |
Hard | Tatsuma Ito Tatsuma Ito is a Japanese professional tennis player.-Singles: 4 :-Doubles: 1 :-External links:*... |
6–2, 6–7(5–7), 6–3 |
| 18. | May 21, 2011 |  FerganaFergana Challenger The Fergana Challenger is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It is currently part of the Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour. It is held annually at the Istiklol Tennis Club in Fergana, Uzbekistan, since 2000.... , Uzbekistan |
Hard | Greg Jones Greg Jones (tennis) Greg Jones is an Australian professional tennis player.-Early life:Born in Sydney, Jones is an only child. He is the son of Russell Jones, a quantity surveyor, and Donna Jones, a teacher... |
6–2, 6–1 |
| 19. | June 11, 2011 |  Nottingham2011 AEGON Nottingham Challenge The 2011 AEGON Nottingham Challenge was a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor grass courts. It was part of the 2011 ATP Challenger Tour and the 2011 ITF Women's Circuit... , United Kingdom |
Grass |  Jeremy ChardyJérémy Chardy Jérémy Chardy is a French professional tennis player. He won the 2005 Wimbledon Championships Boys' Singles title, and finished as the runner-up at the 2005 US Open Boys' Singles, losing to Ryan Sweeting. His career high rank is no... |
6–4, 3–6, 7–5 |
Singles runner-ups (5)
| No. | Date | Tournament | Surface | Opponent in the final | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | May 24, 2003 |  VeronaVerona Verona ; German Bern, Dietrichsbern or Welschbern) is a city in the Veneto, northern Italy, with approx. 265,000 inhabitants and one of the seven chef-lieus of the region. It is the second largest city municipality in the region and the third of North-Eastern Italy. The metropolitan area of Verona... , Italy |
Clay | Tomas Tenconi Tomas Tenconi Tomas Tenconi is an Italian professional tennis player.-ATP Tournaments Finals:-Titles :-External links:*... |
6–4, 0–6, 2–6 |
| 2. | July 2, 2007 |  CórdobaOpen Diputación The Open Diputación Ciudad de Pozoblanco is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It is currently part of the Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour. It has been held annually at the Club Tenis Pozoblanco in Pozoblanco, Spain since... , Spain |
Hard | Adrián Menéndez-Maceiras Adrián Menéndez-Maceiras Adrián Menéndez Maceiras is a Spanish tennis player. He has a career high-ranking of 174 .He has reached the finals of ten Futures tournaments; in eight of these he won... |
4–6, 6–0, 5–7 |
| 3. | November 12, 2007 |  KaohsiungKaohsiung Kaohsiung is a city located in southwestern Taiwan, facing the Taiwan Strait on the west. Kaohsiung, officially named Kaohsiung City, is divided into thirty-eight districts. The city is one of five special municipalities of the Republic of China... , Taiwan |
Hard |  Yen-Hsun Lu |
3–6, 3–6 |
| 4. | September 28, 2008 |  BeijingChina Open (tennis) The China Open is an annual professional tennis tournament held in Beijing, China. The men's singles and doubles events were first held in 1993, the year in which the Qatar Open and Dubai Tennis Championships were also introduced to the men's tour, as the ATP opened a series of new tournaments in... , China |
Hard | Andy Roddick Andy Roddick Andrew Stephen "Andy" Roddick is an American professional tennis player and a former World No. 1. He is currently the second highest-ranked American player, behind Mardy Fish.... |
4–6, 7–6(8–6), 3–6 |
| 5. | November 20, 2011 |  São PauloATP Challenger Tour Finals The ATP Challenger Tour Finals is a tennis tournament played at the end of each year, involving the top eight players in the ATP Challenger Tour.Like the ATP World Tour Finals, the ATP Challenger Tour Finals is not a straightforward knock-out tournament... , Brazil |
Hard | Cedrik-Marcel Stebe Cedrik-Marcel Stebe Cedrik-Marcel Stebe is a German professional tennis player. He reached his career high No. 81 on November 21, 2011.-2011:... |
2–6, 4–6 |
ATP Players' Performance Timeline
| Tournament | |2001 2001 ATP Tour The ATP Tour is the elite tour for professional tennis organized by the ATP. The 2001 ATP Tour included the four Grand Slam tournaments, the Tennis Masters Cup, the Tennis Masters Series, the International Series Gold and the International Series.-Schedule:... | |2002 2002 ATP Tour The ATP Tour is the elite tour for professional tennis organised by the ATP. The ATP Tour includes the four Grand Slam tournaments, the Tennis Masters Cup, the ATP Masters Series, the International Series Gold and the International Series tournaments.- January :... | |2003 2003 ATP Tour The ATP Tour is the elite tour for professional tennis organised by the ATP. The ATP Tour includes the four Grand Slam tournaments, the Tennis Masters Cup, the ATP Masters Series, the International Series Gold and the International Series tournaments.- January :... | |2004 2004 ATP Tour The ATP Tour is the elite tour for professional tennis organised by the ATP. The ATP Tour includes the four Grand Slam tournaments, the Tennis Masters Cup, the ATP Masters Series, the International Series Gold and the International Series tournaments.- January :... | |2005 | |2006 | |2007 2007 ATP Tour The ATP Tour is the elite tour for professional tennis organised by the ATP. The ATP Tour includes the four Grand Slam tournaments, the Tennis Masters Cup, the ATP Masters Series, the International Series Gold and the International Series tournaments.-January:... | |2008 2008 ATP Tour The ATP Tour is the elite tour for professional tennis organized by the Association of Tennis Professionals. The ATP Tour includes the four Grand Slam tournaments, the Tennis Masters Cup, the ATP Masters Series, the International Series Gold and the International Series tournaments.-Schedule:This... | |2009 2009 ATP World Tour The Association of Tennis Professionals World Tour is the elite professional tennis circuit organised by the ATP. The 2009 ATP World Tour calendar comprises the Grand Slam tournaments , the ATP World Tour Masters 1000, the ATP World Tour 500 series, the ATP World Tour 250 series, the ATP World... | |2010 2010 ATP World Tour The Association of Tennis Professionals World Tour is the elite professional tennis circuit organized by the ATP. The 2010 ATP World Tour calendar comprises the Grand Slam tournaments , the ATP World Tour Masters 1000, the ATP World Tour 500 series, the ATP World Tour 250 series, the ATP World... | |2011 2011 ATP World Tour The Association of Tennis Professionals World Tour is the elite professional tennis circuit organized by the ATP. The 2011 ATP World Tour calendar comprises the Grand Slam tournaments , the ATP World Tour Masters 1000, the ATP World Tour 500 series, the ATP World Tour 250 series, the ATP World... |
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| Grand Slam tournaments Grand Slam (tennis) The four Major tennis tournaments, also called the Slams, are the most important tennis events of the year in terms of world tour ranking points, tradition, prize-money awarded, strength and size of player field, and public attention. They are the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and... |
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| Australian Open Australian Open The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam tennis tournament held in the southern hemisphere. The tournament was held for the first time in 1905 and was last contested on grass in 1987. Since 1972 the Australian Open has been held in Melbourne, Victoria. In 1988, the tournament became a hard court... |
A | A | A | A | A | Q2 | 2R | 2R | 3R | 1R 2010 Australian Open – Men's Singles Rafael Nadal was the defending champion, but retired due to a right knee injury trailing 3–6, 6–7, 0–3 in the quarterfinals against Andy Murray.Roger Federer met Andy Murray in the final of this event... |
1R 2011 Australian Open – Men's Singles Roger Federer was the defending champion, but lost in the semifinals to Novak Djokovic, who went on to win the tournament by defeating Andy Murray 6–4, 6–2, 6–3 in the final. It was Djokovic's 2nd title at the Australian Open, with this title bearing many resemblances to his title in 2008. Djokovic... |
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| French Open | A | A | A | A | 1R | Q2 | Q1 | 1R | 2R 2009 French Open – Men's Singles Rafael Nadal was the defending champion but lost in the fourth round to Robin Söderling. This was Nadal's first ever defeat at the French Open, having won the title in all six of his other appearances... |
1R 2010 French Open – Men's Singles Roger Federer was the defending champion, but lost in the quarterfinals to Robin Söderling, which allowed him to make a second-successive final here. This was the first time since the 2004 French Open that Federer did not reach the semifinals of a Grand Slam tournament.Rafael Nadal won his fifth... |
A | ||||
| Wimbledon | A | A | A | A | Q1 | Q1 | Q2 | 1R | 4R | 1R 2010 Wimbledon Championships – Men's Singles The Men's Singles event at the 2010 saw Rafael Nadal, the World No. 1 and 2nd seed, defeat 12th seed Tomáš Berdych 6–3 7–5 6–4 in the final to win his 2nd Wimbledon title, and his 8th Grand Slam title overall.... |
2R 2011 Wimbledon Championships – Men's Singles Rafael Nadal was the defending champion but lost to Novak Djokovic in the final.Djokovic won his first Wimbledon title. Upon reaching the final, he gained the World No.1 ranking as a result. This marks the first time that neither Roger Federer nor Rafael Nadal is ranked No... |
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| US Open | A | A | Q3 | A | Q1 | Q1 | 2R | 1R | 1R | 2R 2010 US Open – Men's Singles Juan Martín del Potro was the defending champion, but chose not to participate this year, after undergoing a wrist operation in May and only starting to practice again in August... |
2R 2011 US Open – Men's Singles Rafael Nadal was the defending champion, but was defeated in the final by Novak Djokovic with a score of 6–2, 6–4, 6–7, 6–1. Djokovic claimed his first US Open title, his third Grand Slam of the year, and his fourth Grand Slam overall.-Seeds:... |
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| Year End Ranking | 1,309 | 473 | 259 | 308 | 170 | 202 | 64 | 112 | 43 | 75 | |||||