2003 IN REVIEW
A breakthrough season for top player from Belarus as he captured his first
career ATP singles title, won a personal best 40 matches and finished in
Top 25.
In addition, won six doubles titles in 12 finals and finished as No. 1
doubles player in world.
Led ATP circuit with 152 matches played and led his country into 2004 Davis
Cup World Group for first time by posting a 4-0 singles mark.
After a 5-5 start, broke through to win his first ATP singles title in
Rotterdam, defeating Kafelnikov (QF), Federer (SF) and Sluiter (F).
Opened clay court circuit by reaching SF in Estoril and then struggled with a
3-7 mark before turning things around on grass with a career-best 4th RD at
Wimbledon (l. to Bjorkman).
Played well during summer hard court circuit with QF in Washington, TMS
Montreal (d. Massu, Hewitt, Srichaphan, l. to Federer) and SF at TMS
Cincinnati (d. Coria, l. to Roddick).
After a 1st RD loss at US Open, posted wins over Germany's Behrend and
No. 8 Schuettler in Davis Cup playoff tie to lead Belarus to a 3-2 victory.
Closed season with a 4-5 mark, highlighted by SF in Vienna (l. to Federer).
Finished No. 3 in service games won (87 percent), No. 4 in break points saved
(67 percent) and No. 8 in aces (575).
Compiled records of 23-14 on hard, 8-8 on clay, 5-3 on grass and 4-3 on
carpet.
In doubles, qualified for Tennis Masters Cup (w/Bhupathi) and finished No. 2
in ATP Team Race, winning five of nine finals together.
Captured three Tennis Masters titles (Monte Carlo, Montreal, Madrid) and
reached final at Wimbledon...Earned a career-high $1,271,347.