Colombian Tennis Players in the Top 100 of the ATP

Being among the top 100 in the world, in any discipline, is not an easy task. A handful of athletes have what it takes to be at the top level at the national level, and an even smaller number excel in this way at the international level.

It is for this reason that today we decided to highlight those Colombian tennis players who have achieved this achievement, as well as to recognize all the effort and sacrifice that this implies.

Daniel Galán

The most recent Colombian tennis player to break into the top 100 of the ATP is Daniel Galán. At this time, the bumangués is number 99 in this ranking , since he achieved it after reaching the round of 16 of the ATP 500 in Hamburg. Galán, 26, had failed to get into the ranking, hovering between positions 102-105 at the end of 2021.

Iván Molina

Considered the best Colombian tennis player in history, Molina won a Grand Slam, the Roland Garros, in the mixed doubles' modality, in 1974. The man from Antioquia also achieved one of the best rankings in history, being 40th in the world at the peak of his career.

Jairo Velasco

Born in Bogotá, Velasco was one of the best tennis players in our country during the 1970s. The highest ranking he reached in his career was number 46. He was the first Colombian to reach the fourth round, of a Grand Slam, in a singles draw.

Also read: Colombia vs Brazil: Dream Final in the Copa América Femenina

Alejandro Falla

Born in Popayán, this tennis player was the sensation at the time when in the first round of Wimbledon, in 2010, he managed to take 2 sets from Roger Federer. His best result came in 2011, when he reached the fourth round at the French Open. As for the ATP, his best ranking during his career was number 48.

Santiago Giraldo

Giraldo recently retired in 2020, but he left an indelible mark on Colombian professional tennis. During the course of his career, he defeated several former world number ones, including the great Andy Murray. He also got an impressive 28th ranking in the world in the year 2014. His best event was the Australian Open, where he reached the second round a total of 5 times.

Álvaro Betancur

Another prolific tennis player of the 1970s, Betancur was notable for finishing twice in the second round of the US Open, and once in the French Open. His best ranking during his career was number 68, in the year 1976. It is worth noting that his career was not the most successful, with a professional record of 35 wins and 79 losses.

Alejandro González

Lastly, we have paisa Alejandro González. The retired paisa managed to reach the second round many times during his career, at the US Open, The Australian Open and the French Open. The best ranking he achieved in his career was the 70th position.