Three-time Grand Slam champion who ranks among top three in most losses, calls Federer his toughest rival

France has long boasted a rich tennis tradition, producing standout talent across both the men’s and women’s tours. A particularly notable generation emerged from the mid-1990s through the early 2010s, leaving a lasting mark on the sport.

That era included prominent French players such as Arnaud Clement, Sebastien Grosjean, Michael Llodra, Nicolas Escude, Paul–Henri Mathieu, Jo–Wilfried Tsonga, and Fabrice Santoro. On the women’s side, Amelie Mauresmo and Mary Pierce led the way as two of the country’s most accomplished stars.

Fabrice Santoro, born on December 9, 1972, in the tropical setting of Tahiti in French Polynesia, chose tennis at an early age and turned professional in 1989. His career spanned over two decades, ending in 2010, and was highlighted by several major achievements—most notably, three Grand Slam titles in doubles competition: two in men’s doubles and one in mixed.

A unique game and a long career

Known for his unorthodox two-handed strokes on both sides—forehand and backhand—Santoro became a fan favorite for his distinctive playing style and shot variety. He captured six ATP 250 singles titles across three different surfaces: carpet, hard court, and grass. His first came in 1997 against Tommy Haas, and his last in 2008.

Fabrice Santoro of France plays a forehand during his straight sets quarter final victory over Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Tennis Masters Madrid. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

In doubles, Santoro excelled, winning 24 career titles alongside a number of partners, most notably Michael Llodra, Olivier Delaitre, and later in his career, Serbia’s Nenad Zimonjic.

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Grand Slam glory and Davis Cup success

Santoro was part of the French team that won the Davis Cup in 1991 and again in 2001. In Grand Slam play, he found his greatest success at the Australian Open, where he won the men’s doubles title in both 2003 and 2004 with Llodra. He added a mixed doubles crown at Roland Garros in 2005 alongside Daniela Hantuchová.

Among the ATP’s leaders in career losses

Thanks in part to his long career, Santoro holds a spot in one of the ATP’s more unusual statistical categories. With 444 career singles losses, he ranks third in the Open Era behind only Feliciano López (490) and Fernando Verdasco (447). Importantly, he still retired with more wins than losses—470 total victories.

Federer named as his toughest rival

Between 1999 and 2008, Santoro faced Roger Federer 11 times, with the Swiss winning nine of those matchups. In a 2016 interview with L’Équipe, Santoro named Federer as the best opponent he had ever faced.

Roger Federer of Switzerland shakes hands with Fabrice Santoro of France during the Tennis Masters Canada. (Elsa/Getty Images)

“Federer has been, without a doubt, the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced. He makes the difficult look easy—his freshness is what impresses me the most,” Santoro said.

“It’s not normal to be like him. He’s laughing in the locker room like a 15-year-old. Some love tennis, others love traveling, competition, training, interviews, or signing autographs. He lives it all 100%. It’s as if this sport was created for him,” he added.