Albert Costa

Albert Costa is a former professional tennis player from Spain. He is best remembered for winning the Men's Singles title at the French Open in 2002.

Costa began playing tennis at the age of five. He first came to the tennis world's attention as an outstanding junior player. In 1993, he reached the French Open junior final and won the Orange Bowl. He turned professional later that year and in 1994, he won two challenger series events and was named the ATP's Newcomer of the Year.

Going into the French Open in 2002, Costa had not won a tour title of any kind since 1999 and was not considered to be among the favorites. Seeding 20th, He defeated fellow-Spaniard, former world No. 2 and long-time friend Àlex Corretja in a four-set semifinal. In the final, Costa came up against another Spaniard, future world No. 1, Juan Carlos Ferrero. Costa won in four sets to claim his first Grand Slam title. The win propelled him to his career-high singles ranking of World No. 6 in July 2002.

During his career, Costa won 12 top-level singles titles. In 2005, he captured his first tour doubles title (in Doha, partnering Rafael Nadal).

Citing recurring injuries and lack of desire, he officially announced his retirement from competitive professional tennis on 21 April 2006. In December 2008, Costa was named Spain's Davis Cup captain. Costa became the most successful Spanish Davis Cup captain to date as he led Spain to two Davis Cup titles in 2009 and 2011.