Vincent
Spadea
Athlete Bio#
Age
50
Hometown
Boca Raton
The Short List
Ranked No. 19 in 1999, Spadea lost a record 21-straight matches in 2000 and watched his ranking dip to No. 229. He played the lower-tier Challenger circuit in 2001, and by 2004 rebuilt his world ranking back up to the top 25, won his career-first title, reached the fourth round at Wimbledon and was named to the U.S. Olympic team. "I felt like I was in quicksand, and I was getting no sympathy, no wild cards, no special exemptions for my injuries," he told the Miami Herald. "It came down to grit and recommitment."
Quote
Wears his shirt inside out when he's not on the court. "It reminds me that it's not time to turn it on yet," Spadea told the Miami Herald. "Then, when I get ready to play, I clean up my act and put the shirt on straight."
- U.S. Olympic team member in 2000 and 2004
- 1 singles title, 3 doubles titles
- Won first ATP singles title of career at 2004 Scottsdale, his 223rd tournament in 11 years on the tour
- Finished 2003 ranked in world's top 30 for first time since 1999 after dropping to No. 229
- Won 1992 Orange Bowl title, his last junior tournament
- Known for wearing his hat turned to the side while playing
- Writes raps, poetry and screenplays
- Sisters Luanne and Diana played tennis at Duke University
- Father, Vincent, Sr., has been known to sing opera at tournaments
Ranked No. 19 in 1999, Spadea lost a record 21-straight matches in 2000 and watched his ranking dip to No. 229. He played the lower-tier Challenger circuit in 2001, and by 2004 rebuilt his world ranking back up to the top 25, won his career-first title, reached the fourth round at Wimbledon and was named to the U.S. Olympic team. "I felt like I was in quicksand, and I was getting no sympathy, no wild cards, no special exemptions for my injuries," he told the Miami Herald. "It came down to grit and recommitment."
Quote
Wears his shirt inside out when he's not on the court. "It reminds me that it's not time to turn it on yet," Spadea told the Miami Herald. "Then, when I get ready to play, I clean up my act and put the shirt on straight."
