Albert Costa reflects on 2002 French Open, the highlight of his career

In 2002, in his ninth year on tour, Albert Costa got past the quarterfinals at a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.

He made the most of the opportunity.

In a memorable Roland Garros run, the Spaniard won his first and only major title at the French Open, upsetting Gustavo Kuerten in the fourth round, Guillermo Canas in the quarters, Alex Corretja in the semis and Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final.

“This tournament, for me, was very, very special,” the 41-year-old told Tennis Channel. “I was watching—when I was very, very young—all the legends. And when you have the chance to play the tournament, it’s something amazing.”

Costa was the 20th seed in Paris that year.

“Expectations were not so high that year because I was not in the top favorites,” he said. “But I was playing so good, and I was feeling ready to play the tournament. When I was in [the] quarterfinals, then I started to think that maybe I have the chance to win.”

In the final against 11th-seeded Ferrero—who would win the French Open the following year—Costa dominated the first two sets, dropping just one game. Ferrero would nab the third, 6-4, before Costa capped his unthinkable fortnight with a 6-1, 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 triumph.

“That final was a little strange because I started the match playing so good,” Costa said. “And then, third set, I started to make some mistakes. He was starting to be more in the match and he beat me, 6-4. And then, fourth set, I start again to play my tennis, and I think Juan Carlos was a bit tired. And I win. For me, it was the most impressive win of my life.”