He surpasses Federer and Nadal in records, won the Davis Cup, and coached Murray at a crucial point in his career

Spain has long been a powerhouse in tennis, producing legendary players across generations. While Rafael Nadal stands as the most iconic figure in Spanish tennis history, the groundwork for his rise was laid by players like Carlos Moyá, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and Alex Corretja.

This earlier generation eased the pressure on Nadal to single-handedly carry the nation’s tennis hopes, allowing him to flourish in their supportive shadow. Alex Corretja stood out as a steady and reliable force on the court.

Known for his elegant one-handed backhand, he may not have had the flash of Carlos Moyá, his contemporary, but Corretja’s career was exceptional in its own right.

He captured 17 ATP singles titles, a Davis Cup championship, and an Olympic bronze medal in doubles at the 2000 Sydney Games alongside Albert Costa. What’s more, Corretja holds a unique distinction: he boasts a winning record against two of the greatest players in tennis history—Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Alex Corretja of Spain plays a forehand return during his 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 second round victory over Rafael Nadal of Spain in the ATP Seat Open. (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Corretja vs. Federer

Corretja and Federer faced off five times, with the Spaniard leading the head-to-head 3-2. Their matches followed a predictable pattern: Corretja dominated their three clay–court encounters, including two at Roland Garros and one in Gstaad, while Federer triumphed on hard courts. Their first match came in 2000, and their last meeting occurred in 2003.

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Corretja vs. Nadal

Corretja’s two victories over Nadal came in 2003 when the young Spaniard was still finding his footing as a professional. Both matches were grueling three-set battles, with Corretja winning at the ATP Barcelona and the Madrid Masters (then played on hard courts).

Two Roland Garros finals, Davis Cup glory, and 17 ATP titles

Corretja reached the pinnacle of his career in 1999, climbing to World No. 2. He also made two French Open finals, losing to Carlos Moyá in straight sets in 1998 and to Gustavo Kuerten in four sets in 2001.

His Olympic bronze in doubles at the Sydney Games added to his legacy, but his crowning achievement came as part of Spain’s Davis Cup-winning team in 2000. Corretja and Joan Balcells delivered a crucial doubles victory in the final against Australia, held in Barcelona, to secure Spain’s first Davis Cup title. In total, Corretja amassed 17 ATP titles, including two Masters 1000 victories—Rome in 1997 and Indian Wells in 2000.

A post-tennis career in coaching and leadership

After retiring, Corretja remained deeply connected to tennis. He became a familiar voice as a commentator on television and radio while also taking on coaching and leadership roles. From 2008 to 2011, he coached Andy Murray, helping the British star compete at the highest level alongside the “Big Three“.

Andy Murray of Great Britain shares a joke with his coach Alex Corretja during a practice session on day seven of the French Open at Roland Garros. (Julian Finney/Getty Images)

In 2012, Corretja was named captain of Spain’s Davis Cup team, leading them through two campaigns in 2012 and 2013. The Spaniard’s career and post-playing contributions have solidified his place as one of Spain’s most respected tennis figures.