Tommy Robredo, Spanish tennis player

Tommy Robredo Garcés, born on May 1, 1982, is a distinguished Spanish professional tennis player whose career has been marked by consistency, resilience, and notable achievements across various surfaces and formats. His full name, including the maternal surname Garcés, is pronounced in Spanish as [ˈtomi roˈβɾeðo ɣaɾˈθes], with the Catalan pronunciation for his surname being [ɡəɾˈses], reflecting the linguistic diversity inherent to Spain.

A formidable competitor, Robredo achieved his career-high singles ranking of world No. 5 in August 2006. This significant milestone followed a stellar performance earlier that year, culminating in his victory at the prestigious Hamburg Masters, an ATP Masters Series event then considered one of the sport's most important tournaments outside of the Grand Slams.

A Journey of Persistence: Grand Slam and Tour Achievements

Throughout his extensive professional career, which began in 1998, Robredo consistently demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest levels. In singles, he reached the quarterfinals of seven Grand Slam tournaments, showcasing his sustained excellence across the sport's four major events: the Australian Open, Roland-Garros (the French Open), Wimbledon, and the US Open. Reaching the last eight in these coveted tournaments is a testament to a player's consistent performance and ability to navigate through challenging draws.

Beyond singles, Robredo also proved his versatility and skill in doubles. He advanced to the semifinals of the US Open doubles tournament on three separate occasions, highlighting his proficiency in teamwork and strategic play. Additionally, he reached the semifinals of the Australian Open in mixed doubles, further underscoring his adaptability across different partnerships and formats of the game.

Playing Style and Coaching Evolution

Robredo's game is characterized by a strong all-court presence, with his forehand widely regarded as his signature shot. He himself considers it his best weapon, known for its power and consistency, often setting up points to his advantage. Given Spain's rich tradition of clay-court tennis and the prevalence of red clay courts for training and competition in his home country, it is perhaps no surprise that this surface is his declared favorite. His affinity for clay often reflects a player's upbringing and the style of play cultivated during their formative years.

His professional journey, which commenced in 1998, has seen him work with respected figures in the tennis world. Initially, he was coached by José Manuel "Pepo" Clavet, a well-known Spanish tennis coach. Later in his career, he transitioned to being coached by Karim Perona, reflecting the evolving needs and strategies within a long professional career.

The King of Comebacks: An Open Era Record

One of the most remarkable aspects of Tommy Robredo's career is his unparalleled resilience and mental fortitude. He holds a unique record in the Open Era of professional tennis, being the only player to have mounted three consecutive comebacks from being two sets down in a Grand Slam tournament. This extraordinary feat was achieved en route to the quarterfinals of Roland-Garros in 2013, captivating audiences and solidifying his reputation as a tenacious competitor.

This ability to fight back from seemingly insurmountable deficits is further evidenced by his exceptional record in five-set matches. Robredo boasts one of the highest percentages of five-set matches won in the sport, with an impressive 77.3 per cent success rate (17 wins against only 5 losses). This statistic speaks volumes about his physical endurance, mental toughness, and strategic acumen under pressure, proving his capability to perform at an elite level over extended periods.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tommy Robredo

When was Tommy Robredo born?
Tommy Robredo Garcés was born on May 1, 1982.
What is Tommy Robredo's career-high singles ranking?
His career-high singles ranking is world No. 5, which he achieved in August 2006 after winning the Hamburg Masters earlier that year.
What unique record does Robredo hold at Grand Slams?
He is the only player in the Open Era to have mounted three consecutive comebacks from two sets down in a Grand Slam, a feat accomplished at Roland-Garros 2013.
What is Tommy Robredo's favorite surface?
Red clay is his declared favorite surface, a common preference among Spanish tennis players due to their training backgrounds.
How many Grand Slam quarterfinals has he reached in singles?
Tommy Robredo has reached the quarterfinals of seven Grand Slam singles tournaments during his career.
Who has coached Tommy Robredo?
He was coached by José Manuel "Pepo" Clavet and later by Karim Perona.