Won the 1996 Wimbledon men's singles title, defeating Pete Sampras, and is known for his powerful serve and volley game.
Richard Krajicek is a name synonymous with Dutch tennis, and for good reason – he is the only male player from the Netherlands to have won a Grand Slam singles title. In 1996, he claimed the coveted Wimbledon men's singles title, earning himself a place in the annals of tennis history.
A successful tennis player with a career spanning over a decade, Krajicek's achievements are impressive. He reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 4 in March 1999, and his win at Wimbledon remains one of his most notable accomplishments. In the quarterfinals of that tournament, he delivered Pete Sampras's only defeat at Wimbledon between 1993 and 2000, showcasing his exceptional talent.
Born on December 6, 1971, to Czech immigrants, Krajicek grew up in the Netherlands. His early life was marked by tragedy when his premature son, born to his then-partner Italian actress and model Lory Del Santo, passed away due to an infection after just two weeks of life. In 1999, he married model, writer, and hostess Daphne Deckers, with whom he has two children, a son and a daughter.
Krajicek began playing tennis at the tender age of four and quickly showed promise. As a youngster, he won both the Dutch under-12 and under-14 National Championships twice. His biggest achievement as a youngster was winning the Wiltshire Open in the UK, after beating Steven White in straight sets in the final. He turned professional in 1989 and went on to win his first top-level singles title in Hong Kong and his first tour doubles title at the Dutch Open.
Since retiring from professional tennis in 2003, Krajicek has remained involved in the sport. He has been the tournament director of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam since 2004. Krajicek is also an author, having penned various sports books. Additionally, he is a member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), a political party in the Netherlands.
Richard Krajicek's accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the world of tennis. His Wimbledon win inspired a generation of Dutch tennis players, and his continued involvement in the sport has ensured his legacy endures. As a testament to his contributions, Krajicek remains a beloved figure in the tennis world.
When asked about his Wimbledon win, Krajicek humbly reflected, "I was just trying to win a match, and then suddenly I was in the final."
Krajicek's achievements have been recognized with various awards and honors, including being inducted into the Dutch Tennis Hall of Fame in 2009.
Krajicek's personal life has been marked by both joy and tragedy. His relationship with Daphne Deckers has been a source of strength and support, and his children bring him immense happiness. Despite the challenges he has faced, Krajicek remains a beloved figure in the tennis community.
59 Years Old
A Dutch tennis player and coach who won six ATP titles and coached several top players, including Richard Krajicek and Fernando Verdasco. He's known for his doubles expertise and successful coaching career.
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