Nicolas Lapentti "Nico" Webpage
ARCHIVE NEWS 2000

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29 December - An initiative to develop tennis in Ecuador

Nico is using his name and a certain amount of his own money to try and develop sports, and particularly tennis in Ecuador.  Whilst on his Family Christmas break in Guayaquil, he was present at the media launch of the "Nicolas Lapentti Foundation", which Nico hopes will help to develop more tennis players in his home country.  One of the main aims of the Foundation is to bring tennis to those members of the public who do not have the financial means to afford to play tennis on their own.   To this end, Nico has invested $10,000. of his own money, and has gained the support of his major sponsors, Adidas and Babolat, to try and get more Ecuador players into the top 200 within three years.  It remains to be seen if he is successful.   I personally wish him all the best of luck - its a great idea, and I really hope he manages it.

27 December - Ecuador Davis Cup team win award

The exploits of the Ecuador DC team during last summer have been rewarded by the media in South America, when they received the award of the Team of the Year from the Ecuador media companies who recognised that their achievement of beating Great Britain at Wimbledon deserved special recognition.  All the main team members, including Nico, Giova, Luis Morejon and Andres Intriago, were present to receive their award.  Nico and Giova are currently on a very strict programme to prepare for their latest "Mission Impossible" - a tie against Australia in Perth, commencing 9th February.

14 December - Nico in pre-season exhibition action

Nico was back in competitive action last night when he played Fernando Gonzales in Santiago, Chile.  After a slow start, Nico took control and won the match in a little over 1.5 hours, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.  Although Gonzales is ranked outside the top 100, he is far better than that and reached the final Orlando (or it could have Atlanta - can't be bothered to look it up!) and together they produced exhibition tennis which delighted the crowd of fans who were present. 

Tonight, Nico will be in Uruguay and plays Marcelo Filippini in another exhbition match.  It is Filippini's last match because he has decided to retire.   Marcelo is good friends with Nico and decided he wanted to play his final match against his good pal, instead of another South American - Guga Kuerten.  "I am friend of Nicolas and for me it is an honor to play against him in my final match" said a excited Filippini. 

Re: Chat tomorrow night - Everyone welcome.  Let's hope this week my computer doesn't decide to freak out and leave me stranded!

12 December - Giovanni cramps in Miami

Giovanni is taking part in the Boys U18 Singles event of the Ericsson Orange Bowl tournament this week.  As the champion in the Boys U16 category last year, Giovanni got an automatic entry into the U18 category and drew Yugoslavian Janko Tipsarevic in the first round.  It was a tough battle for both boys and the match went the distance.  However, Giovanni suffered from cramping troubles in the third set and came off second best.  Evidently he had to go to hospital for treatment afterwards - so the cramping must have been bad!

4 December - Doubles fun in Guayaquil

After a long hard season Nico is now able to put his feet up (?) and relax for a while as he contemplates the last season and looks forward to 2001.  On the ATP Tour, Nico's only final came in Tokyo with a handful of semi final and quarter final appearances throughout the year (and on all the surfaces).  Taken by itself 2000 would have been good for most stars and Nico would probably have accepted this level of success a couple of years ago.  However after the superb season in 1999, he wants the same level of success again.  Perhaps the highlight of this year came in July when Nico, Giovanni and the rest of Team Ecu stole their Davis Cup World Group place from under the nose of Team GB at Wimbledon.   However, let's hope Nico can have a good holiday, getting the pampering he so deserves back in Ecuador and can start afresh in January 2001.  

17 November - Nico's singles season is now over

Nico fought for nearly 2.5 hours against Juan Carlos Ferrero but came up second best.  A keenly fought first set went to Ferrero but then Nico really came into his own, broke the Spaniard's serve and raced to a 5-2 second set lead before taking the set 6-3.  The final set contained some really good tennis as both players upped the pace but it was Ferrero who came out on top, winning 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 and went on to beat Jan-Michael Gambill in the 3rd round yesterday.

15 November - Nico and Carlos win in doubles again

Nico and Carlos Moya won their first round doubles match yesterday against Byron Black and Kevin Ullyett in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4 and are set to face the third seeds Rikl and Novak later today.  I fancy it might have something to do with having all the fans on their side... having watched their first qualifying doubles match on Sunday, it must to loads for their egos to have all the French kids on their side!

13 November - Nico benefits from Puerta Injury

Nico was leading 5-4 against Mariano Puerta when the Argentinean was forced to retire from their first round match earlier today.  Puerta obviously has a long standing injury and the pain was just too much.  Lucky for Nico!  It gave him more time to prepare for the doubles event.  Together with Carlos Moya, Nico achieved a place in the main doubles draw after victories in the qualifying event.  After a three sets victory over Woodruff and Levy on Sunday evening, Carlos and Nico beat a young French team in straight sets and are now set to play the more established pair of Byron Black and Kevin Ullyett.

In singles Nico now plays Juan Carlos Ferrero in the second round.  Ferrero still has an outside chance of reaching the final 8 in Lisbon but it is a very outside chance so the match should be interesting.  If things are going well for Nico I would expect him to win because Juan is not exactly the best indoor players but with a place at Lisbon to play for I think the battle will be a tough one!

9 November - Nico too exhausted to defend Lyon title

Nico decided he was just too tired and exhausted to make a serious attempt to defend his Grand Prix de Lyon this week and will now complete his 2000 season in Paris next week at the final Tennis Masters Series event of the year.  Having lost both his Lyon and Paris points from last year, Nico has now dropped outside the top 20 in both the ATP Champions Race and ATP Entry System.  Let's hope that a rest at home in Ecuador will help to revive his motivation to be at the very top of the world.

2 November - Nico ousted by Frenchman again

Nico rather conclusively lost his opening match in Stuttgart yesterday to Grosjean, 6-1, 6-0.  Now he will have to hit the practice courts again in order to prepare for the defence of his title in Lyon next week.

1 November - Nico plays Grosjean later today

Nico will begin his Stuttgart campaign later today against Frenchman Sebastien Grosjean.  Let's hope he can make amends for Indianapolis where and Nico lost to Grosjean in the second round of the RCA Championships.  But that was then and this is now and Nico is in much better form after spending most of September training in Miami and doing so well in the Far East in October.

In other Lapentti tennis news, Giovanni played in the Quito Challenger yesterday but unfortunately lost his first round match 6-7, 6-1, 6-2.   Better luck next time Giova!

31 October - Stuttgart News

Nico is seeded 15 at the Tennis Masters Series event this week.  He has a bye in the first round and won't have to play until Wednesday. He is obviously trying to concentrate on singles this week because his name is absent from the doubles draw.

27 October - Nico off court.........

Want to know what Nico was getting up to OFF-COURT in Shanghai????  Well the ATP Tour highlights programme on earlier this evening had loads of evidence...   Nico has become a bit of a CHARMER.......  A snake charmer that is......   Not content with eating traditional Chinese cuisine........ Nico, Magnus Norman and Sjeng Schalken tucked into a Chinese delicacy - cooked snake - but not before Nico had handled the slippery little sucker before it found its way into the pan....  [Brave guy.  Magnus looked scared stiff and Sjeng looked as if he wanted to run a mile!]   Nico's conclusion:  "It tasted just like chicken".  Sjeng's conclusion: "If it tastes just like chicken why don't they just have that...."

26 October - Nico put to test by Thorman

Nico obviously had to produce some of his best tennis to beat Rios last night but just could not keep it up today when he took to the court to play Frenchman Nicolas Thorman and lost in two tie breaks 6-7 (6-8), 6-7 (5-7).  Thorman, who had been a contemporary of Roger Federer in days gone by, was just too good against Nico, who may have been suffering the aftereffects of playing so much tennis over the past 3 weeks, an illness in Japan as well as the long haul flight from the Far East.  The match was so tight it was probably settled by about 2 or 3 points each set and even though Nico still has another doubles match scheduled for Friday, a loss here will give a little time for a break before he hits the courts again in Stuttgart on Monday - after all Stuttgart is a Tennis Masters and it is important that he does as well as possible there. 

AND NOT FORGETTING LYON - NICO PLEASE SAVE SOME OF YOUR BEST FOR THEN!?!  

25 October - Nico beats Rios

Nico lost the first set of his match against Marcelo but still managed to pull off victory 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in very tight match and will now play Thorman in the second round tomorrow.  If he beats him, he has a good chance of progressing further since Magnus Norman pulled out of the tournament.  And remember Nico and George Bastl are still in the doubles.

24 October - Nico Doubles up again

Nico obviously feels good after three successful weeks in the Far East.  He has certainly picked the right doubles partner this week because together with home favourite Bastl, they beat the number two seeds Rick Leach and Ellis Ferreira in the first round tonight, 6-7 6-4, 6-2.  Leach and Ferreira are a pair on form this year.   The Woodies have been winning a lot but L and F have often won the tournaments where the Australians have failed. 

22 October - Nico beaten by Schalken again

Sjeng Schalken was again the cause of Nico coming unstuck in the Far East.   After reaching the final in Tokyo, Nico was beaten by the Flying Dutchman in straight sets (one set on Friday and one set on Saturday) after rain again interrupted play during the Heineken Open in Shanghai.  Overnight Schalken had led 6-3 and an early break of serve when play recommenced on Saturday was Nico's undoing.  Although fighting hard, Nico could not manage to break back and lost 6-3, 6-4 and now is in a race against the clock to get to the Swiss city of Basel for the Davidoff Swiss Open which starts tomorrow.  Let's hope that the flights were kind and Nico gets over any jet lag in double quick time so we can see another good run in Europe. 

19 October - Bastl sent packing in under one hour

Nico is into his third straight quarter final after success in Hong Kong and Tokyo and now will have another crack at Dutchman Sjeng Schalken.  Nico beat Swiss player George Bastl in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 in under one hour and hopes for revenge against Schalken tomorrow in the quarter finals of his last outdoor event of the year.  

18 October - Nico off to a good start in Shanghai

After a week of a rice and chicken diet in Tokyo, Nico continued his winning run today when he beat Bulgarian Orlin Stanoytchev in straight sets 7-6 (7/2), 6-3.  He now plays George Bastl in the second round tomorrow.   After a day lost by rain on Tuesday the tournament organisers now have a race against time to get the schedule up to date.  Commenting on his match, Nico said "The conditions were not easy to play in.  It wasn't a good match for either of us. But it's always good to get through the first round, often they are the toughest.   Against a player like him, I knew I had to give some variation on my shots. I couldn't just go out there and overpower him."

15 October - Disappointment for Nico in Tokyo

After slow beginnings, Nico has achieved much this week.  He has shown he can really fight against the elements.  Feeling very ill at the start of the tournament, even contemplating withdrawing altogether up to one hour before his first match, Nico won through to his 7th career ATP final but it did not have a happy ending.   Although he won the second set, his opponent Sjeng Schalken was just too good on the day and won the final set convincingly and Nico lost the match 4-6, 6-3, 1-6.  Although elated, the champion had this to say about Nico afterwards. "I'd like to congratulate Nicolas, he was sick at the beginning of the week, and it's a very big effort to get to the final."

Nico was equally philosophic.  "I am pleased, first of all, just an hour before my first match, I even thought about not playing because I was feeling very sick. So looking at it that way, I could have even not played in the first round, and I got all the way to the final.  On the other hand, I'm a bit disappointed because if you lose the final, you always have that bad taste in your mouth, but still, it's a great tournament, this is my first time over here and my first final of the year. Hopefully I can build up some confidence for the next tournaments." 

Now Nico moves onto the final outdoor tournament of the year in Shanghai and there will be news updates on events there when I get them.

14 October - Nico reaches his first final of 2000

Nico rampaged through "The Dominator" Dominik Hrbaty in two sets to reach his first final of 2000.  He won in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 and will play Sjeng Schalken in the final.

13 October - Nico motors to easy victory

It took just one hour for Nico to break his 8 quarter final jinxs for 2000 when he beat Byron Black 6-2, 6-2 to reach the semi finals of the Japan Open, his third semi final of the year after Indian Wells and Estoril.  Sydney, Mexico city, Scottsdale, Miami, Barcelona, Halle, Kitzbuhel and Hong Kong are all well and good but Nico will be pleased to get another quarter final place under his belt.  And doubly so because it comes after an injury which forced him out of the Olympics.  Nico is now the highest remaining seed left in Tokyo and plays Dominik Hrbaty in the semi finals after the Slovakian was on the receiving end of Gustavo Kuerten's retirement through illness.   In the other semi final Hicham Arazi plays Sjeng Schalken.

12 October - Another victory - Nico reaches quarter finals again

10 October - Nico despatches Rochus in two tie breaks

Nico had a tough fight earlier today when he beat Olivier Rochus from Belgium in the second round of the Japan Open in Tokyo.  In a battle to keep his place in the top 16 at the end of the year, Nico was pushed all the way by Rochus and won in two tie breaks 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-4) and can sit back and wait to see who he plays in the next round - either Bjorkman or local lad Suzuki who play tomorrow.  Afterwards Nico said "I kept fighting the whole time and I'm proud of myself that I won. I had to play great tennis to beat him."  Due to unforeseen circumstances Nico will have a day off tomorrow because his doubles partner Nicolas Kiefer has been forced to withdraw from the tournament with a wrist injury so the "Nicos" place has been taken in the doubles by some lucky losers.  Nico will be back on court again on Thursday as he continues to play himself back into form.

9 October - Rochus beats Woodruff

Nico will be playing Oliver Rochus in Tokyo tomorrow.  The doubles draw is now available and Nico and Nicolas Kiefer will be playing doubles together again this week.  In the first round of the doubles event, the two Nicos will be playing Sjeng Schalken and Laurence Tieleman. 

8 October - Tokyo draw news

Nico is seeded 4th in Tokyo this week, behind Guga, Kiefer and Philippoussis.   He has a bye in the opening round and will play either Chris Woodruff or Oliver Rochus in the second round. 

7 October - Nico moves onto Tokyo

Nico lost both his singles quarter final and doubles semi final by a score of 6-2, 6-4.  First Nicolas Kiefer outplayed the better looking "Nico" in a relatively one sided match.  Then later on in the day both Nicos teamed up in doubles to lose out to the number two seeds Wayne Black and Kevin Ullyett.  However, he will probably be quite pleased with this week's performance because it is his first week back after injury.  Next he moves on to Japan to play in Tokyo where he will go up against players like Kuerten, Kiefer and Rafter yet again.  The only satisfying thing must be that Kiefer is definitely playing some of his best tennis of the year at present because he went on to reach the final in the singles.

5 October - Practice makes Perfect but for which Nicolas?

Nico and Nicolas are still standing in the doubles after defeating Jonas Bjorkman and Grant Haygarth in Hong Kong earlier today.  They won 6-0, 6-3 (the reverse of their last doubles result) and after doing battle AGAINST each other in singles tomorrow, will be side by side in the doubles semi final against Kevin Ullyett and Wayne Black.

A busy day for Nico today.  He had to play singles and doubles in an attempt to get back to full match fitness again.  One thing is for sure - he is getting loads of practice!!!  First of all Nico beat Kevin Kim in the second round of the singles event.  After taking the first set easily, Nico somehow let things slip a little in the second set (perhaps he was just using it for practice?!!?!!?) but got things back together again for the final set.  A 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 victory sets up a very interesting quarter final - against his current doubles partner Nicolas Kiefer who beat Jason Stoltenberg.  Later on, Nico and Nicolas were on the same side of the net when they took on local pair Hui and Tong in the first round of the doubles.  They won this extremely easily 6-3, 6-0 and will play Jonas Bjorkman and Haygarth in the next round tomorrow.  It will be a day off in the singles but it will be interesting to see if N and N are talking after tomorrow!

3 October - Nico to play twice on Wednesday

Nico won his first singles match in a month earlier today when he beat Hyung Taik Lee in the first round of the Salem Open in Hong Kong.  A single break in each set was all it took and Nico heads into a second round clash with American Kevin Kim with a 7-5, 6-4 victory.  You might also see double tomorrow when Nico teams up with another Nico (Nicolas Kiefer) in the doubles against local pair Hui and Tong.  Go Nico - we want to hear you have got another two victories under your belt tomorrow!

2 October - Nico to play Wildcard Lee in Hong Kong

Nico has been seeded 5 in Hong Kong and is due to play Hyung Taik Lee in the first round - probably tomorrow.  Lee is the guy who was quite a surprise at the US Open so Nico will have to watch out.  It won't be the easiest of first matches back but I am sure he will be up to the challenge. 

29 September - Nico back on court next week

Nico pulled a muscle in his knee during practice on Friday and went straight to seek medical help.  On the advice of his doctor, he must rest for about 2 weeks and as a result has had to pull out of the Olympic Games in Sydney which start at the end of this week.  It also means that Giovanni will not get the opportunity to play in the doubles. 

7 September - Australia vs Ecuador - "It must be a joke" says Nico

Nico's first reaction to hearing the draw for next year - "It must be a joke!"  After having to be the underdogs against Great Britain on grass and coming through that challenge, the Ecuador Davis Cup team will have to do it all again in February 2001. They have been drawn against the current Davis Cup champions Australia who are also in the final this year too.   It will be an extremely tough tie but one thing is for sure - Australia won't know which surface to choose - because after all Ecuador have proved they are quite adept at playing on grass!!!!!!!  Also don't forget the fact that February in Australia is late summer so will be hot and sunny - just the sort of conditions that Nico, Giovanni and the rest will enjoy!!!!  Full tie dates are 9th to 11th February 2001.  The Venue and surface is not yet chosen but more updates soon.

2 September - Davis Cup World Group Draw this week

Just when we thought all the Davis Cup excitement was over for a few months, Nico will no doubt have his ears firmly on the Davis Cup World Group draw for 2001 which takes place on Thursday 7 September.  Ecuador go into the hat with the other 15 teams which are Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Morocco, Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA. 

1 September - Rest time at home before Olympic Games

Not sure how Nico lost his match against Jerome Golmard.   Unfortunately I only had the delight of net cam pictures (bad), the live scoreboard (good) and the US Open Radionet (quite good if that's all you have got) to watch this extravaganza, especially when I should have been in bed asleep!  There was only four points in it and seeing as though Nico lost the second set 6-0 that is not bad going.   On all the stats he was ahead.  The first serve percentage was very similar but Nico had more aces, less double faults, only two more unforced errors, a bundle more winners 68-39, high success rate on serve and break points, net points won - everything.....  However, when he was two sets down, he looked out of it and it took a supreme level of courage and skill to get himself out of that particular peril - another of those occasions which make me realise just why I like watching him.  The result was so close and I really thought he would pull it out in the end - but you have got to hand it to Golmard (hate him!), he pulled it out in the end, 7-6, 6-0, 2-6, 4-6, 7-6 and it is him who goes on to play Andrei Pavel in the next round.  All I can say is go Andrei!  The French seem to be having a lot of success at present.  Arnaud Clement beat Andre Agassi too so I think I will have to support him now, especially when he gets to play his left handed mate! 

29 August - Nico through his first test

A week's break must have done Nico good because he beat his tough first round opponent Bob Bryan without losing a set.  Although he did throw in a fair number of unforced errors, Nico did produce 19 aces which kept him in contention.  A single break settled the first two sets before a tie break was needed to conclude the encounter.   The 16th seed won 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 and will next play Jerome Golmard in Round 2.

23 August - US Open and Olympics latest & Davis Cup Photos - finally uploaded

Although Nico has just lost his victory points from Indy last year, he has still managed to be seeded 16th for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of 2000 which begins on Monday (28th).  The draw took place today and Nico finds himself in the top 8th of the draw.  He is due to play Bob Bryan (an American wildcard) in the first round with a possible third round match against Mariano Zabaleta and (when he gets that far) a provisional fourth round contest with Andre Agassi the top seed.

22 August - Indianapolis Round Up

Nico celebrated his 24th Birthday on the day before the tournament in Indianapolis started.  Indy is a place that Nico has good memories of - he won there last year.  This year his picture adorned various banners around the tournament site along with other distinguished past champions including Becker, McEnroe, Sampras and Enqvist. 

8 August - A short sharp session in Cincinnati

Well, well.  Nico is having a tough time at present.  I used to like Hicham Arazi - well enjoyed watching him play - not anymore!  He was just too good on the day yesterday.  Nico looked like he was playing better tennis than in Toronto but came up a bit short on the purple courts of Cincinnati.  Well there is the doubles where he is partnering Nicolas Kiefer....  You will have to check out things on the message board for the next few days because I am off on a short break!!!!!!

6 August - Cincinnati News

Nico is seeded 10th again this week for the Tennis Masters Series event in Cincinnati.  Let's hope he is more "with it" than last Tuesday when he looked like he did not want to be on the court.  He plays Hicham Arazi in the first round either tomorrow (Monday) or Tuesday.  More news when available.

2 August - Toronto storm outburst but Nico already on his way south!

Nico's sojourn in Toronto was over even before it really started when he lost in the first round of the Masters Series Canadian Open earlier today.  Playing Austrian Stefan Koubek, who was dressed more for the beach than the tennis court, Nico put in a pretty lacklustre performance which did not seem to have any of the fire and enthusiasm of the Davis Cup tie and lost in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3 in little over one hour.  I think Nico desperately needs some time off the Tour after 7 weeks with no breaks and hopefully he can be back fighting fit for next week - Cincinnati - and the US Open. 

31 July - Toronto News

After playing two good matches on clay in Kitzbuhel, beating Michel Kratchovil for the loss of only 5 games and then Bohdan Ulihrach 6-1, 6-0, Nico came up against a Spaniard on form - Emilio Alvarez and the weather.  Bad weather caused his quarter final to be postponed overnight on Friday and when they did eventually get on court the next day, Nico lost in three sets, the third set being settled by a final set tie break.  

25 July - Nico to play Kratchovil

Nico is due to play his second round match tomorrow (providing there is no rain).  He plays Switzerland's Michel Kratchovil who successfully beat the qualifier in the first round.  After last week's slight hiccup (and who can blame him),  I really hope Nico returns to court fighting fit and ready to get some points on the board in the Champions Race.  Any more news will be appearing on the message board until Sunday because I am going to be without my trusty computer.....

23 July - Davis Cup & Amsterdam Round Up & News on Kitzbuhel

Nico is the fourth seed at Kitzbuhel which starts tomorrow.  He has a bye in the first round and will either play a qualifier or Swiss player Michel Kratochvil in the second round.  This is Nico's last tournament on clay for the time being and is probably now tuned to play on the red stuff after spending so long on grass. 

18 July - Nico's let down in Amsterdam

Nico lost his first round match today to Christian Ruud, 6-2, 7-5.  It was perhaps understandable that the bubble burst after that Davis Cup weekend - I also suspect that Nico still had a huge hangover from Sunday night.......  It is not every day that you help your country into the World Group of tennis by beating a team at Wimbledon....  and I bet he is still basking in that and did not really have his mind on the job in Amsterdam.  Anyway there is always the doubles in which he is partnering Wayne Arthurs.  They play their first match tomorrow against a Dutchman called Greenhalgh and an Aussie called Silcock.  More news on that later this week. 

"If you're Ecuadorian, you may not realize what it means to be in the World Group, especially after beating Great Britain on grass. Some people are comparing it to Andres Gomez winning Roland Garros in 1990", said Lapentti. It was a very long weekend, and it's tough to watch your little brother being down 0-2 in the decisive match. It's completely different from watching a teammate. After I lost to Tim Henman, I told Giovanni that he was in a situation that a lot of players want to be in and that he should just enjoy it. After the match he said that he'd seen how disappointed I was after losing, and he wanted to win the fifth match for me".

16 July - Ecuador team celebrate last gasp victory over Great Britain

Nico - if you are reading this - I think you perhaps doubted that I would be able to do it after my complete neutrality in Scottsdale. I just want to say that I am so proud of you and Giovanni. Grass is perhaps not a favourite surface but I think you both proved just what stars you are. You must be heroes back in Ecuador (and throughout South America) and I hope you are happy you have achieved your dream and put your country back into the World Group.

After all the negative press stories in the days leading up to the tie and the fact that even Nico had written off his country's chances a few weeks before the tie, I hope now that the situation will right itself and you have a really good chance to take the World Group by storm and become a bigger force in world tennis than ever before.   Somehow I think that team Lapentti (Nico and Gio) will be the Davis Cup team from now on.  I think that Luis Adrian Morejon will be back as third player next year!

15 July - Nico and Gio win in the doubles

Nico and Gio won the vital doubles rubber in three straight sets, 6-3, 7-5, 6-3.   More details later.....  Just got back from Wimbledon where Nico, Gio and the rest of the Ecuador team are on the brink of pinching a place in the World Group from the home of tennis - and certainly from Tim and Greg's back yard.

14 July - Nico beats Greg

Nico won!  I can't believe it.  I thought watching him beat Karol Kucera in Australia would never be beaten for atmosphere but today was much better.  He seems to have lady luck and destiny on his side and was very eloquent in victory.  It was so important that he do everything in his power to win that first rubber but when he lost the fourth set and then went a break down in the fifth I thought Greg was on the way back.   However, I know that Nico can come back from the dead and he did.  It was superb theatre and when Greg double faulted to give Nico two match points, he needed just the one and sent a return that was too much for the British number two and Ecuador had that vital first point.  Just for the record Nico won 6-3, 6-7, 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 in three hours and twelve minutes.  Full report on the tie to come as soon as I have written it.

Quotes and pictures from the press conferences too!

13 July - Davis Cup team and draw news

There have been a few news stories in the British press this week about Nico making some "uncomplimentary" remarks about Greg Rusedski ahead of this tie.  Let me put things to rest - Nico did not ever say those remarks.  He has the greatest respect for Greg as a player - and I got this "from the horse's mouth" himself.  

Now team news from today.  Nico will play Greg in the first match on court tomorrow which is set to start at 12.00 noon (weather permitting).  Then Tim will play Luis Morejon.  On Saturday Nico and Giova will play Tim and Greg in the doubles which is set to start at 2 pm after the team presentation ceremonies.  On Sunday Tim will face Nico at 12 noon and Morejon will face Greg in the final rubber.

9 July - Next stop Davis Cup

Nico and Barbara Schett had great fun on the court yesterday and certainly enjoyed their mixed doubles semi final - perhaps better than they should.  The result was a two sets victory to their opposition but probably just as well if the weather forecast for today is anything to go by.  Nico's mind is now firmly set on the Davis Cup which starts on Friday and I am pretty sure that many of his thoughts yesterday were centred upon the tie rather than that particular match. 

Nico's first round defeat in the singles will mean that he will slip down the new rankings which come out tomorrow.  However, I think his performance overall at this year's Wimbledon Championships will certainly prove it good stead as the year goes on.   All this practice on grass (Nico has been in England or Germany practicing on the green stuff for over a month now) will certainly help his movement and shot making on the faster courts as the year goes on.  This time last year, Nico had never won an indoor match and after he won his first match indoors in Munich last September, he went on to win a tournament in Lyon before another month was up.  It will be very interesting to see what happens in the next few weeks.  Nico will be returning to Indianapolis where he won only his second career title last August and I am sure he will find this experience particuarly encouraging. 

But first the Davis Cup - and I am sure Nico will be more than ready for next Friday.   Nico has not lost a singles match in two years - 9 matches out of 9 and has only lost two singles match since July 1997 (14 wins from 15 matches).  The Ecuadorians are not just here to make up the numbers.

"In Ecuador they care more about how we do in Davis Cup than how we do in Grand Slams" said Luis Morejon.  "Nico is a great player.  He is a great competitor, and in the last 9 matches he played in Davis Cup he won so it is important for us to have him in the team and hopefully he can give us the important points." 

There will be a lot of pressure on Nico's shoulders but I think he can handle it.   He likes being an underdog and the Ecuador Davis Cup team will most certainly be that.

7 July - Nico starting to really enjoy playing on grass!!!!!!

Last week, Nico nearly decided not to play in the Mixed Doubles event at Wimbledon.   He wanted to get away from SW19 and the horrible weather of the first week at Wimbledon.  However, one week on I think he is really chuffed with himself.  He has played 4 mixed doubles matches on grass and won them all.  He is now in the semi finals of the mixed doubles event of Wimbledon for the first time. 

Earlier today he and partner Barbara Schett of Austria despatched the No.6 seeds in the Mixed Doubles event John Laffnie De Jager and Manon Bollegraf who are both extremely good doubles players.  Nico and Barbara had an early break in the first set but the others came back and they had to break again and Nico served out to take the first set 6-4.   In the second set, the seeded couple broke Schett's serve in the 4th game to lead 3-1 but N and B broke back again.  Their play and movement around the court was fantastic and Nico is starting to look really comfortable on the grass....... just in time for the DC next week!  Talking of Davis Cup, the rest of the Ecuador team turned up at Wimbledon today and watched the second set before adjourning off to one of the practice courts to acclimitise to the grass.

Anyway back to the match today, eventually Nico and Barbara broke Bollegraf's serve again to take a 6-5 lead and Barbara managed to serve out the set and match (after facing a couple of break points) 6-4, 7-6.  Tomorrow, they will be taking on the 8th seeded pair - Donald Johnson and Kimberly Po in the semi finals.  They are scheduled to play first on Court 1. 

Today's victory means that Nico has now won 7 matches on grass this year (from 10 matches played) and Giovanni has won 3 matches from 6 played.  Overall this means Nico has now won more matches on grass this year than Tim or Greg put together.  I think that the Brits will suddenly be wishing they had scheduled the Davis Cup tie on any surface but grass:o)    !!!!!

Nico is now much more than competent and confident on grass and it will be interesting to see how they handle the pressure of playing Great Britain starting a week today.

4 July - Nico and Gio still standing at Wimbledon

Both the Lapentti brothers have outsurvived the Brits at this year's Wimbledon.   In a day that saw Tim lose a titanic 5 set struggle in the singles to Mark Philippoussis, Nico partnered by Barbara Schett beat Miriam Oremans and Jan Siemerink in the mixed doubles event whilst Giovanni progressed to the second round of the Junior singles with a straight sets victory over a lucky loser called Russell.  They are both in action today and Nico will get his first taste of No.1 Court (the Davis Cup venue) but rain might intervene on things.  The forecast is not good!  More news when available.

2 July - Nico still going strong in the Mixed Doubles

Having decided to get as much practice and matches on grass as feasically possible, Nico was unfortunate to come up against a man in form in the shape of Slava Dosedel from the Czech Republic in the first round at Wimbledon.  Having watched the match live (it was interrupted by rain), Nico did not seem a happy bunny.  The weather was not warm and he obviously did not feel comfortable from the start.  He did produce some brilliant shots prior to the rain stoppage but afterwards seemed a shadow of his former self as he preceded to lose the first two sets.  Just after the match started again, Nico started to look in pain and called for the trainer.  Having had some lossening up treatement on his back, he then took the third set 6-0 but then lost the plot in the fourth.  He was two breaks down before he knew it and it was all over, 3-6, 2-6, 6-0, 1-6.  Nico's only consolation is that Dosedel was beaten at the second round stage by the Swedish player Jonas Bjorkman.

Nico was back for more on Wednesday when he played his first round doubles match with Pablo Albano from Argentina.  Unfortunately they had the bad luck to draw the fourth seeds and current Australian Open champions, Ellis Ferreira and Rick Leach.  After having an early break in the first set and being ahead in the eventual first set tie break, Nico and Albano lost in straight sets, 6-7, 4-6, 2-6 but they did have a lot of fun and enjoyment during the match.  The weather was not exactly warm again but on Court 18, Nico's smile did bring a ray of sunshine to proceedings and his reaction when I asked him to sign that day's Daily Telegraph which had one of my photos of him on page 5, was a picture. 

Friday saw Nico's third attempt to win a match at Wimbledon 2000.  If there were awards going for persistence, Nico would surely be up for one!  As he said himself in Halle, he is only playing on the grass to get as much practice as possible ahead of the Davis Cup and his persistence finally paid off.  Playing with Barbara Schett from Austria, they beat the 15th seeds, Martin Garcia and Laura Montalvo, both from Argentina.   There was a mix up at the start of the match because Laura was still playing a women's doubles match elsewhere but eventually it got sorted and the players came on court and Nico and Barbara seemed to enjoy the experience immensely.  They won in straight sets 6-3, 7-6 (7-0) but not before they had to run from the court due to light rain.   It seems that Nico is getting more than enough practice of entering and leaving the courts ahead of Davis Cup, all we have to pray now is that the weather improves and the sun shines because it will bring out the best of Nico so that all the rain stoppages won't be needed.

25 June - Nico enters Wimbledon high on confidence

The order of play for the first day of the Championships has now been released.   Nico will be playing third match on Court 3 (which is both cosy and a show court) so there should be a good atmosphere.  He follows the match between Alex Corretja and Albert Martin (as long as Alex has not followed his Spanish colleague Ferrero out of the gates) so there should be a good Spanish support contingent in place. 

On a another note, I am pleased to say that Nico completed his Wimbledon warm-up in style yesterday when he beat Marat Safin at the Club Med Cup 6-7, 6-4 and a deciding tie break.  Although still not totally at home on the green stuff, Nico showed he is learning quickly.  I thought he was playing better than he had been in Halle and his confidence levels were high.  Although just a piece of fun, this exhibition event has always been used by the players to finish their preparations for Wimbledon by playing matches rather than just spending time on the practice court.  At the end, the MC of the day announced that Nico was part of the Ecuador team facing GB in the Davis Cup right after Wimbledon and I overheard more than British person say "Well we're in trouble then aren't we?"

[Nico - please note they were very impressed with you at Roehampton, so let's give T&G something to really worry about???!!!!  You are going into Wimbledon with more grasscourt victories this year than either Tim or Greg put together which is a superb achievement!  Keep it up!]

20 June - Wimbledon Draw

Nico can thank his lucky stars because with the exception of the possibility of a match against Jonas Bjorkman in Round 2, Nico has a a draw to savour.  He is down to play loads of "clay courters" who have had as little experience on the green stuff as he has.  Nico has been seeded 16th for Wimbledon which starts on Monday and is in the same 8th of the draw with Pete Sampras.  However, first of all Nico has to get the better of those clay courters...  First up will be Czech player Slava Dosedel, then either Medvedev or Bjorkman and if he wins that match, a third round encounter with either a Spaniard (Corretja, Martin or Vicente) or a Qualifier.  A fourth round encounter with Pete Sampras would occur after that but we won't think that far ahead at this stage.  

Nico will want to get as much grass court practice he can next week so that he can hone his game even more for the Davis Cup tie after Wimbledon (at Wimbledon) against Great Britain.  Let's hope he can give some extra momentum to Giovanni who will, no doubt, be playing in the Junior Wimbledon event to get some more practice on the grass.   Personally I hope that Nico and Gio will be playing in the doubles event at Wimbledon so that they can get some time on the grass court together in a competitive atmosphere. 

Well all I can say is BRING ON MONDAY!!!!!

16 June - News report

"Nicolas is beginning to show his class on grass

Top 10 players, Nicolas Lapentti and Yevgeny Kafelnikov were forced to fight back from a set down against Spanish opposition to reach the quarterfinals in the Gerry Webber Open in Halle. For the second time running, both players came within a few points of defeat before the momentum turned. Russian Kafelnikov beat Oscar Burrieza 6-7, 7-6, 6-3 whilst Lapentti beat ex-French Open champion Carlos Moya 4-6, 7-6, 6-4.   

Whilst Moya looked to be more comfortable on grass for most of the match, taking the first set with a single break, the match was far from over. Lapentti showed just how much he has improved all aspects of his game over the past year when he levelled the contest, taking the second set tie break 7-4 on his 5th set point   The Spaniard had chances to get ahead early in the final set, but it was the Ecuadorian who had the greater mental toughness when it mattered. Lapentti had been forced to come from a set down in his opening match against German wild card Marc Kevin Goellner and knew he could beat Moya. After coming from 4-2 down to take five points in a row in the tie-break, Lapentti twice saved break points in the fourth and the eight game of the final set, and conjured one solitary break which sneaked him through.

This was a great turnaround from the South American, who until the start of this tournament had only ever won two matches on grass in his career. He now takes on another German, David Prinosil in the first quarterfinal later today.

"I have only come here because of the Davis Cup," said Lapentti, referring to the tie against Great Britain at Wimbledon a week after the Grand Slam tournament. "I needed more matches to learn how to play on grass.  I would rather help my country into the world group of the Davis Cup than do well at Wimbledon," he patriotically admitted.

Since then of course, Nico has been defeated, going down in straight sets to German David Prinosil.  I saw the match on German television (it was very irritating to have Nico's lovely "English" accent being dubbed out by a German voiceover....).   Nico actually played well because Prinosil is a good grass courter, with a good serve/volley game for grass so losing 3-6, 6-7 was not bad.  I personally think Nico needed to have a few days break before coming over to England to prepare for Wimbledon and the DC....

NB:  Nico is a definite yes (at present) for the Club Med Cup at Roehampton which takes place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday next week (22-24th June).  He will be playing in the "Rest of the World" team with Guga, Mark P and Todd Martin against a "Europe" team made up of Goran Ivanisevic, Dominik Hrbaty, Nicolas Kiefer and Marat Safin.  These names can be subject to change but at present Nico is down for Saturday plus one other day.  Final schedule is not yet up.

15 June - Nico won and will play David Prinosil next

Sorry for brevity.  Nico won today, beating Carlos Moya 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 and plays Prinosil in the quarterfinals tomorrow.  I watched the first two sets of his match today against Carlos so will do a fuller match report but now I am off to have dinner with Virginia Wade! 

12 June - Nico through by a whisker

Tim had to come back from a set down again to win his first grass court match of 2000.   Playing his first match in Halle and the first match of this year's tournament, Nico lost the first set of his match with German wild card, Marc-Kevin Goellner 6-4.   He then had to play two consecutive tie breaks to come through, winning 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-3).  He will play either Carlos Moya or Carrati in the next round.   Hopefully a few good wins here will mean Nico enters Wimbledon high in confidence and can take his nation's expectations forward in the Davis Cup world-group play-off round in July.  The main stadium court in Halle is very similar to Wimbledon's Court 1 so hopefully he can get a lot of experience of this arena in preparation for the Davis Cup.

In the rankings issued earlier today, Nico has dropped to 16th in the ATP Champions Race but has risen to No.9 in the Entry System which means he is guaranteed to be seeded at Wimbledon which starts in a fortnight.

11 June - Nicolas in Halle this week

Nico is seeded 3 in Halle this week, behind Yevgeny Kafelnikov and new Spanish sensation Juan Carlos Ferrero.  He has got quite a tough first round match.  He plays German wild card Marc-Kevin Goellner and although Marc is not necessarily an excellent grasscourter, Nico will have to battle the German crowd as well as his opponent for a place in the next round. 

[Further Lapentti News : - Giovanni managed to get a wild card into the singles qualifying event in Halle but lost his first match.  However he was fighting all the elements - a German and a good grasscourter in Karsten Braasch.  But he put up a good fight only losing 5-7, 5-7 and this was a pretty good result for a first match on grass.   It should be interesting to see how he copes with the grass at Wimbledon in a fortnight's time - I have a vested interest!]

5 June - Nico's run at Roland Garros ends for 2000

Sorry for the lack of reports but I was without Information Technology at my fingertips over the weekend.  Nico did so well to best Wayne Ferreira on Friday and reach the 4th Round for the first time.  Having seen their match in Scottsdale earlier this year, I can only imagine what it was like.  Unfortunately I saw none of it on TV because the powers-that-be at Eurosport decided to show Henman and Kuerten instead.   After losing the first set (one which he had an early lead), Nico suddenly upped the pace and won the next three sets and the match 5-7, 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 to win the prize of a fourth round match against long time rival Gustavo Kuerten.  As Nico said in his press conference interviews afterwards, he did a lot of running and was very tired and exhausted.  Very satisfied yes but perhaps a little nervous of the match to come.   As a result of playing each other regularly in junior days (as well as more recently), Nico and Guga know each other's games well and with Guga on some of the best form of his life, Nico went into their fourth round encounter as the under dog.

Nerves certainly played a part at the start and Nico lost 9 points in a row.  As it was the first time he had been on Court Centrale at Roland Garros, Nico did not have time to take in the atmosphere before he was on the back foot.  The first set slipped away 6-3 but Nico started to play more confidently to take a 2-0 lead in the second.   However, things came unstuck and he lost the next 5 games to leave himself a mountain to climb.  Having been so self-assured at the start of the match, Guga suddenly slipped up on serve and this allowed Nico to draw on his opponent's sudden insecurity to come back to 4-5.  However, on the second time around, Guga was able to serve out for his two set lead.  The third set might have been over quickly once Guga got an early break.  However, Nico dug his heels in and in between receiving treatment for what must have been a painful blister on his toe, started to produce some of his best tennis to wipe the stupid supercilious grin (over-confident grin) off Guga's face.  The set went to a tie break although Nico had several chances to break in the latter part of the set.  Guga suddenly upped the pace again and won the breaker on his first match point.  If only Nico had won that third set when he had the chance, I suspect the match might have changed dramatically.

I have seen Nico come back from a losing position so many times that nothing this lovely friendly guy does surprises me anymore!!

Unfortunately, Nico wasn't the only Lapentti to be defeated that day.  Giovanny lost his first round singles match in the junior singles event. 

If anyone is interested, Nico's last press conference (interview) at Roland Garros is available as a video.  One thing though - why did they not put the last question (and Nico's reaction and answer) on the video too........  ????????  Still the clay court season is now over and Nico can look back with pride.  His form on the ATP Tour has been mixed over the last few weeks but a good run at Roland Garros has more than made up for those defeats.  He is back in contention of being in the Top 10 again and should be seeded at Wimbledon.  (He had better be - or I will have something to say to the powers-that-be at Wimbledon!!)

31 May - Nico is a man on a mission

Ecuador will no doubt be celebrating tonight.  Nico won his second round match against Bohdan Ulihrach in 4 sets, 7-6, 6-3, 6-7, 6-3.  This is the first time that Nico has made the third round in Roland Garros and I really believe that he must have a really good chance of doing really well in that tournament.  On Monday, he behaved like a man on a mission against Julian Boutter (I was there) and I know how good Ulihrach can be on clay so this victory is excellent.  He will next play South African Wayne Ferreira (probably on Friday).  Nico again converted a high number of his net approaches and served 17 aces during this match.  With daylight fading (well it would be it was after 2130 hours in Paris when the match finished), I am sure there was still a good crowd watching this match.  The rain stayed away all day and with several of the main favourites foundering (seeds as well as clay court specialists), this victory for Nico was particularly good.  GO NICO!!!! 

30 May - Nico wins first match convincingly

One match down and Nico is flying.  He played Frenchman Julian Boutter yesterday on Court 1 and from start to finish the match was brilliant.  My ticket should have been about 6 rows from the back of the court but I managed to get down to the front row and had a ball.  Boutter was played well and Nico was not at his best but he played very smooth forceful tennis and won 6-4, 6-2, 6-0 in just under 2 hours.  He next plays Czech player Ulihrach but that match will not probably take place until Thursday.   If he progresses that far, Nico's first seeded opposition will probably be his rival from junior days - Guga Kuerten.

My diary from America is almost done.  The final version has been typed up and will be available shortly.  My notes and photos from the trip to Paris (last 4 days) will be ready for circulation in about 2 weeks.

24 May - Nico's seeding for Roland Garros

Nico has been seeded in the 11th position for the French Open which begins on Monday.   Although he is only ranked at 15th in the 2000 ATP Champions Race, Nico is in a better position in the ATP Entry System.  The top seed in the event is Andre Agassi, followed by Pete Sampras and Magnus Norman.  Good Luck Nico - more news after the Bank Holiday - Off to Paris for a long weekend tomorrow.  I will try to update the Message Board so keep an eye on that for further news.

17 May - Nico's challenge fizzles out

Nico is really struggling to regain the form he showed on the clay last year.  He lost his first round match this week against Marc Rosset and now has 10 days to contemplate his next move ahead of the French Open which begins on 29 May.  I just hope that he can turn things around in Paris to give all the fans something to cheer about.

Just to let you all know - I have now uploaded most of the photos from America (only the doubles/practice photos from The Ericsson Open to go now).  Please see Photos 2000.

14 May - Hamburg Tennis Masters News

Nico has been seeded 6th in the Hamburg Tennis Masters event which starts on Monday.   He plays Marc Rosset in the first round with a potentially fiery second round match against either Jeff ("Tantrum") Tarango or placid Byron Black.  Marc Rosset is one of the dangerous floaters this year because he has already won on the ATP Tour in the 2000 season so let's hope Nico extinguishes the Swiss flame quickly.  He is not playing doubles this week and so will have all his attention on the singles.  Go for it Nico - we need to see you win again!!!!  (And on really good form for the French Open - I am coming for the first 2 days!)

13 May - Nico's flying start halted in singles but continues in doubles

Unfortunately Nico lost his second round match to Francisco Clavet.  That Spaniard has a lot to answer for as it is the second time that Nico has lost to the guy in 6 weeks.   Clavet and Squillari are obviously Nico's achilles heel players so let's hope he can conquer them both before too long and turn the tables.  Although Nico only had 2 singles matches in Rome, he continued his preparation for the French Open in 2 weeks time by playing doubles with Marcelo Rios (sorry to all Rios fans for calling him "Grumpy" but he is.....!)  Together Nico and Marcelo reached the semi finals in Italy before bowing out to Damm and Hrbaty. 

I have to apologise for the lack of information on the websites during the past week.   I have had a slight computer problem (like I have not been near my "freeserve" computer for 5 days)!  This should be rectified now because I am moving all my IT equipment to my new flat in London so normal service will be resumed forthwith (hopefully!)

8 May - Nico off to a flying start

In the absolutely gorgeous surroundings of the Foro Italico in Rome, Nico made his first appearance on court short, sweet and to the point.  He beat his opponent Thomas Johansson in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5 and can look forward to a second round match against Clavet or Ivanisevic.  Nico will be cementing his preparations for the forthcoming French Open in Paris by playing doubles with Marcelo Rios this week.  So it is "Mr Happy" and "Mr Grumpy" - I will leave you to guess who is who!   This Wild Card partnership will be taking the court (probably tomorrow) against seeded opposition from the South African pair of Adams and De Jager.  Go Nico!!!!!  

7 May - Rome Update

Nico is seeded 6 in Rome this week.  He will play Thomas Johnansson in the first round and must have a good chance of progressing in this tournament.  Last year he reached the quarter finals so a repeat would be good!

1 May - No.10 in the Race and rising

Nico is having a well earned week's break from Tour action, before the two Tennis Masters Series events at Rome and Hamburg.  He has risen to No.10 in the ATP Champions Race and is well on the way to getting himself up into the Top 5. 

Check out the new 2000 Nico photos from my tour of America.  I think you will be pretty impressed.  The Giovanni pictures will follow - soon - I promise......!!

28 April - Nico ousted by Russian

Marat Safin proved just too good for Nico earlier today on the clay courts of Barcelona.  Nico fought hard all the way but lost in straight sets 7-6, 7-5.   Better luck next time Nico! 

27 April - Nico into the Quarters

Nico is into the last 8 in Barcelona. Earlier today he beat Dominik Hrbaty 6-2, 6-2. He plays Marat Safin tomorrow. Things seem to be going nicely for Nico at present. It is about time he won something again and if he can continue to win at the rate he is at present, this may be the week.

26 April - Nico beats Mantilla

Nico was on court early this morning and spent no time at all beating Felix Mantilla 6-3, 6-0. He was due on court later to play his next doubles match with Emilio Alvarez against Sandon Stolle and Paul Haarhuis. However, at this time, the result is not known.

25 April - Nico in action on doubles event

Nico and Emilio Alvarez have teamed up in the doubles event in Barcelona this week.   They had to play two qualifying matches just to get into the draw but today they play the experienced Aussie partnership of Eagle and Florent.  In the singles event, Nico will be playing Sjeng Schalken who beat Felix Mantilla in the first round yesterday.   Their match will take place tomorrow.  More news when it is available.

21 April - Barcelona Draw Update

Nico is seeded 3 in Barcelona behind Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Magnus Norman.  The top 8 seeds get a bye in the first round and Nico will face either Felix Mantilla or Sjeng Schalken in the second round.

19 April - Nico wins ATP Most Improved Player of the Year award

Nico suffered a first round loss in Monte Carlo this week (perhaps he wanted a few days holiday during Easter?!) but he is still in the headlines because he picked up the 1999 ATP Award for Most Improved Player of the Year at the star studded awards bash held in Monte Carlo on Tuesday night.  This award is always voted for by the playing members of the ATP Tour so it just goes to show how much the other players on the Tour think of Nico's talent. 

He is due to play in Barcelona next week so hopefully will regain his form in time for the French Open in Paris which starts in a few weeks time.

I hope to be able to upload a few more Nico photos from my US trip over this weekend so keep checking back here.....

16 April - Rain spoils Nico's title chances

After playing 2 matches on Friday, Nico did not manage to get on court till very late on Saturdday for his semi final match against Clavet. The bad weather meant he had to return early Sunday to complete things. However, he lost that match in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3 and now moves on to Monte Carlo where he should have better weather. He plays Franco Squillari in the first round and is seeded 4.

14 April - Nico scores double victory

When play was suspended on Thursday, Nico had not even got on court to play his second round match against Richard Fromberg. Today he came out fighting and although he lost the first set of 5 he played today, he won the next four. He beat Fromberg 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 this morning and then pulled off a very impressive victory against Juan Carlos Ferrero (the Spanish giant killer) this afternoon 7-6 (8-6), 6-4. He next plays Francisco Clavet for a place in the final. Nico is finding his form on clay exactly at the right time. I think we can definitely expect to see many more victories on clay before the summer is over!

I have also been informed that Nico's face appeared on a stamp in Ecuador during March. He was featured on a "first day cover" because of his tennis success.

12 April - Nico beats Ivan Ljubicic

This has to be short and sweet as I have a lack of time today. It looked like Nico wiped the floor with Ljubicic today. He won 6-3, 6-4 and can now look forward to a second round match against Richard Fromberg and when he wins that, a quarter final against probably Juan Carlos Ferrero.

As I said yesterday, I hoped for a Ecuador Davis Cup tie somewhere in Europe. I never thought it would be on my own doorstep. Yes folks, Ecuador vs Great Britain on grass at Wimbledon, Eastbourne or Nottingham. BRING ON JULY! If anyone would like to come to that tie (to support Nico and the Lapentti/Gomez family, then please contact me by email at sara_vickery@yahoo.co.uk). Anyone wanting to come to support the Brits should contact me through my Henmagic email address - sara@henmagic.freeserve.co.uk).

11 April - Davis Cup Play-Offs

After his hard weekend's activity in Peru, Nico could be forgiven for not wanting to hear about Davis Cup, but the whole DC merry go round will start again tomorrow. Ecuador have not been seeded so will have to play one of the following seeds, France, GB, Italy, Morocco, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland or Zimbabwe. As I said below, I just hope for a tie somewhere in Europe and maybe I can go to watch!!

9 April - Ecuador beat Peru and progress to the World Group Qualifying Draw for 3rd time

Nico beat Luis Horna in a mammoth 5 set match in the penultimate singles rubber of the tie.  This left things equal 2-2 with the final rubber to play.  The match took nearly 4.5 hours and the final score was 4-6, 6-2, 7-5, 6-7, 6-3. 

Both teams decided to switch the line-up for the final rubber to the more experienced players, Morejon and Venero and this proved a wise decision.  Morejon beat his Peruvian opponent in 4 sets.  Giovanni - Nico's younger brother, had been due to play the final match but I think that such a "baptism of fire" will have to wait until he has more experience.  If he had played, I think that Nico and the result of the Lapentti family would have been under great stress. 

8 April - Davis Cup Update - The Lapentti-Gomez Family vs Peru

After the first day of the tie, Ecuador were 1-1 with Peru.  Nico won his rubber against the Peruvian No.2 with the loss of only 5 games whilst younger brother Giovanni struggled against Horna, losing in 4 sets which was not at all bad seeing as though this was Giovanni's first live Davis Cup match for his country and he is only just 17 years old.  Unfortunately the more senior members of the Lapentti-Gomez family (Nico and Andres Gomes) were not able to give Ecuador the advantage in the doubles.  They lost a very tough, long 5 set match to the Peruvian partnership of Horna and Venero.  It is all down to the Lapenttis now - can Nico and Gio produce two victories to save the day and put Ecuador into the World Group Play-off ties for the third consecutive year?   More news when available. 

March Update 3 - Miami Quarter Final Streak

As current U16 Orange Bowl Champion, Giovanni Lapentti had already made a name for himself at Crandon Park, Miami.  Nico and Giovanni teamed up as a wild card partnership in the doubles and won their first ever match together.  Look out for them in the future - they are going to be big!  In singles, Nico came through a relatively tough section of the draw to reach the quarter finals where he faced none other than Pete Sampras - the most dominant player of the 1990s.  Early on Nico showed his skills seeing off young Belgium star Xavier Malisse before he made rather heavy weather of beating Felix Mantilla.  The crowd really got involved in this one (and I really enjoyed sitting amongst Nico's family and cousins) and helped Nico to be totally dominant in the second and third sets.  With a match up against Thomas Enqvist next up I felt that Nico would probably wipe the floor with the Swede.  He was really playing at his very best and with the big Ecuadorian following behind him, Thomas would not stand a chance.  However, I never got to find out because Thomas pulled out through illness on the afternoon of their match (oh dear what a shame! - that's sarcasm by the way!) and left Nico clear to take on Pistol Pete in the quarter finals.  Nico and Pete fought it out for over 2 hours with some really classic tennis rallies.  Nico held his end up well and the result of the whole match came down to a handful of points.  Nico could (and probably should) have broken Pete during the second set and if he had done this anything was possible.  However, in reality Pete closed the door in the second set tie break and went on to win the whole event.  So now shame in defeat for Nico.   There will be many more opportunities for him to win in Miami in front of his family whilst I think Pete's days may be numbered.

March Update 2 - Indian Wells Semi Final

From the first moment I saw Nico on the practice courts in California, I felt that he would do really well - and he did.  He was one of the very few seeds who survived the second round at the Newsweek Champions Cup and played some of his best tennis to fight his way into the semi finals.  After playing the tennis players version of football on the first day of arrival (Saturday 11th), Nico ripped through the draw like a true professional.  Victories over Bjorkman and Di Pasquale set up a difficult early morning clash with Nicolas Escude.  I held my breath as Nico went a set and nearly a break down before he suddenly woke up and became the alert player we all know and admire.   It was far from easy and Nico had to win the match in a final set tie break but after this, I had faith that he could get even further.  Another early morning clash against Arazi the next day saw Nico at his brilliant best.  After being 1-2 down, Nico then won the next 11 games - making Arazi look slow and ordinary.  This win was particularly good as Arazi was on a hot streak, beating Agassi earlier in the tournament.   With 3 seeds left by the semi final stage, Nico as 8th seed was the highest player left in the draw but after a hard fought contest with Alex Corretja, the Spaniard came off the best.  As Nico said afterwards "Whenever I came up with a good shot, he came up with a better one - he made no mistakes!"  With his first semi final of the year, he moved up to 16th in the ATP Champions Race and started to look forward to Miami where many friends and family would be coming to support him.  I was looking forward to Miami too because Nico would be playing doubles with his brother - Giovanni - and this was something I really wanted to see.

March Update 1 - Scottsdale Memories

With rain disrupting the schedule during the opening days, Nico was not sure when or where he was playing.  First he was scheduled on the main court on Monday but actually did not play until Wednesday on the Clubhouse court.  Nico was forced to come from a set down to win against Andrew Ilie but the fighter in him made sure he conquered whilst the Australian ran out of steam.  The second round match contained the sort of tennis which I have come to expect from my favourite Ecuadorian.  Five times last year I had to watch him come back from match points down and this was no exception.  After coming out on top in a first set tie break, Nico let things slip in the second and his opponent Wayne Ferreira took full advantage, taking the second set and getting a break in the third and led 5-3 before Nico managed to turn things around again.   As soon as Nico had saved 2 match points from 4-5 Advantage Ferreira, I had faith that he could do it and when he did the crowd went wild.  The South African looked shell-shocked - he had had the match in the bag and was at a loss to explain what happened!  The quarter final was not so great.  Playing his first match against Tim Henman, Nico could not produce his best tennis and lost in straight sets. 

26 February - Nico lost in Semis

Nico lost to Mariana Puerta in straight sets in Mexico City.  He now has a week off before heading off to Scottsdale to start his preparation for the Spring hard court season.

25 February - Nico into Quarters in Singles

After losing his first round doubles match with brother Giovanni, Nico got down to the serious business of the week - Singles.  He had a straight sets victory (6-4, 6-2) over Czech Bohdan Ulihrach before being taken to three sets against Sargis Sargisan yesterday.  He took the first set 7-5, but then contrived to lose the second set 6-4 and somehow turned the momentum again to win the final set 6-1.  He now plays Franco Squillari in the quarters later today.  He is now the highest seeded player left in the draw after Guga Kuerten lost his second round match.

20 February - Lapentti Brothers Unite

Nico and younger brother Giovanni have been given a Wild Card in the doubles in Mexico City in the PEGASO Mexican Tennis Open.  News on the singles draw when it is available.

15 February - Bjorkman beats Nico in last match of the day

Nico's first match in Rotterdam turned out to be a losing one. After showing so much promise indoors last year, 2000 is yet to catch light for the superstar from Ecuador. He had a tough match against Bjorkman which would have been tough at any time but for Nico's first indoor match since Hanover, it was doubly difficult. Bjorkman had to play through the qualifying competition so was already used to the court surface. The end result 7-5, 6-2 to the Swede means Nico will be hopping back over the Atlantic Ocean to Mexico for the clay court tournament next week because he is not playing the doubles event.

14 February - Nico vs Jonas Bjorkman in Rotterdam

Nico's first match is against the qualifier Jonas Bjorkman. More updates later.

10 February - Nico defeated by Ferrero

Nico's world wide travel obviously caught up with him during his match against the Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero today. After losing his doubles match yesterday evening, Nico followed this up with a straight sets defeat in his last match on Rebound Ace for this year. He now heads to Holland for next week's tournament in Rotterdam.

9 February - Nico easily beats Gross

In the oil rich state of Dubai, Nico hardly had to work up a sweat to beat his qualifier - Oliver Gross of Germany. He beat him easily in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2 and set up a second round match against Ferrero. He is due on the centre court 2nd match.

After a short break, Nico was back on court later in the day partnering doubles specialist Leander Paes to take on the Czech pairing of Novak and Rikl.

9 February - Nico plays Gross in Dubai

Nico had a long wait to see which player he would have take on in the first round of the Duty Free Open in Dubai. He plays Oliver Gross from Germany today and much later on will team up with Leander Paes to take on the 3rd seeds Novak and Rikl in the doubles event. I have had enough of Novak and Rikl over the last few days (I was in Ostrava for the Czech GB DC tie) so I really hope that Nico and Leander can forge a successful start to their partnership. More news and results when I hear them.

On a completely different note, I have just had it confirmed that Nico has entered the Franklin Templeton Tennis Classic at Scottsdale which starts on 6th March. For all those Nico fans who have been emailing me - that is music to our ears. See you there.!!

and oh yes - Nico I hope you have still got that cap I gave you in Hanover!!!! I would like to see you wearing it again!

8 February - Ecuador win Davis Cup tie 5-0

After two days of successful tennis and with Ecuador already up 3-0 against the home side of Colombia, Nico left his little (or taller) brother Giovanni to it, whilst he journeyed half way round the world to play in the Dubai tournament this week.

After losing the first set of his initial singles match in Bogota, Nico stormed away to record a 4-6, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 victory over the second ranked Colombian player. In the doubles, partnered by his cousin Andres Gomez, Nico and Andres completed the formalities of the tie with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 victory which puts them into a second round tie against Peru and another chance to reach the World Group Play-off round in July. Just to complete things, Giovanni won the first reverse singles 7-6, 6-1 and Morejon finished off the 5-0 whitewash.

26 January - The Lapentti/Gomez family take on the world!

The team line up for the Ecuador vs Colombia tie has been announced. Joining Nico on the team are Giovanni, Andres Gomez and Luc Morejon. It looks like Nico and Giovanni are going to challenging all-comers from now on!!!

20 January - Nico defaults match against Clement 

Nico took the first set but then lost the next two sets and was 1-4 down in the fourth set when he took the decision to retire in his match against Frenchman Arnaud Clement. When making his choice to exit the tournament at this stage, I think Nico considered the longer term picture and not just his ability to continue in a tournament of this stature.

Nico plays a key pivotal role in the Ecuador Davis Cup team and with the first round of the 2000 competition on the horizon for the week immediately following the first Grand Slam of the new Millennium, I think he decided to sacrifice his own personal chances of progressing further (whatever they were - if he is less than 100%) for the greater good of the Ecuadorian tennis movement. Having had what he called his "break through tournament" last year in Melbourne, I think it would have been very hard for Nicolas to take the decision and I just hope he can get some rest and recover in time to lead his Ecuadorian team mates against Colombia on 4th February.

18 January - Nico wins a tough 5 set opener... against Medvedev

After a fairly sluggish start from both players, this match developed into a real slug-fest from both players. However, the excitement did not really start until Nico looked dead on his feet at 2 sets to 1 down and 2-4 down. He looked injured and about ready to quit. I think he was very dehydrated. I know just hot it can be there. I was in Melbourne 12 months ago. After an injury time-out and some magic pills (at least 6 of them), he suddenly became quite hyper and polished off the next 4 games to leave Medvedev absolutely flatfooted. Nico's sparkle returned and those cheeky grins and soon it was all over.

Mind you, not before I decided to be late for work!! Next time, Nico - can you please manage to finish before 7.30 pm Aussie time. In future I need to get the 8.25 am (GMT) train in order to get money to come and see you!! - Next match - Arnaud Clement!

14 January - Nico draws Medvedev

Until last summer everyone thought Andrei Medvedev's career might be over. That is before he played the tournament of his life in Roland Garros and beat all comers including Sampras and Kuerten to reach the final against Agassi. Even then he went two sets ahead and was within just 2 games of winning the title before Agassi hauled him back in... Now Nico has the chance to start his Aussie Open campaign in style by claiming the scalp of one of the other successful players from 1999. He is placed in the 4th quarter of the draw so if all goes according to play will meet Tommy Haas in the 4th Round and possibly the reigning champion Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the quarter finals.  I am just glad that Nico has not been drawn against someone like Lleyton Hewitt !!

12 January - Nico given the Stoltenberg treatment

Unfortunately, Nico's good form came to an abrupt halt in Sydney today when he lost to Jason Stoltenberg 6-4, 5-7, 6-1 in the quarter finals of the Adidas International. Let's hope he has got something left in the tank for the Aussie Open which starts on Monday. The draw will take place overnight and I hope to have some draw news shortly. Nico has been seeded 7th so it should be interesting to see which players lie in his wake.

12 January - Nico into the Quarters again!

Nico beat Koubek 4-6, 6-0, 6-4. Sorry for the brevity of this scoreline. Not got much time tonight except to say that Nico has finally managed to get a match on the centre court - well he is going to be playing an Aussie! He will play Jason Stoltenberg in the final match of the day time session tomorrow (Thursday - early morning GMT!

11 January - Nico wins his opening match of 2000!

After much waiting for the score to come up, I am pleased to announce that Nico started the year 2000 much like he started 1999 - by winning! But it was tight, in fact very tight. He lost the first set and had to fight hard to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 and next plays Stefan Koubek in round 2 (contrary to what I predicted below!)

10 January - Players christen the Sydney Homebush Tennis Centre

The draw for the 2000 Adidas International has finally taken place and has put Nico into the draw as No.2 seed (behind good friend and fellow South American Guga Kuerten. Nico plays Younes El-Aynaoui from Moroccan and may then have to play another South American Fernando Meligini. For some reason, defending champion Todd Martin has been seeded 3 (behind Nico) despite having finished 1999 as No.7 to Nico's No.8. [If anyone can tell me the reason for this it would be greatly appreciated - another example of the ATP Champions Race putting the stars ahead of the game!!?]

Anyway having said that, all the best Nico in your matches in Australia this month. Get the year off to the same good start as last year eh?! Perhaps then you can be ranked No.1 before the end of January!?

At the time of uploading this entry, Nico is actually the highest seed left because Guga has already lost to Francisco Clavet. Nico is not due to play until tomorrow (Tuesday). Nico and Guga have obviously decided to get some extra practice because it looks like they are trying to qualify for the Mens' Doubles event. Looking at the draw and the order of play, it looks as if they will have to play 2 matches just to get to the real draw (today) and then will have to face the Woodies who are the No.1 seeds in the doubles draw.

2 January - Nico confirms entry to Sydney International

The officials at the Adidas International in Sydney have confirmed that Nico has accepted a wild card for the event which starts on 10th January at the new Homebush Tennis Site. It will be the inaugural  International  Tennis Tournament on the new Rebound-Ace courts which will be used for the Olympics later this year.

Nico - you obviously want to get some practice for September, as well as hone those forehands and backhands ready for the Aussie Open which starts on 17th January.   All the very best of luck for  the year 2000!  Lets hope that the new ATP season will be even better than last year - and that was pretty superb too !!

20 December - Giovanni wins Orange Bowl

Nico's little brother Giovanni (or should I say big brother because he is taller than Nico) won the 16 and Under Orange Bowl on Sunday, beating Alejandro Falla Ramírez in the final - 6-2, 6-2.  He only entered the tournament as a wild card and successfully won through 5 matches without losing a set (and won this event two years earlier than Nico did when he was junior!). 

I should think that Nico has given a huge sigh of relief that there is such a big age gap between them or it would be Giovanni who would be a threat to Nico's success on the ATP Tour!!!!!!

It has been a big week for the Lapentti family and Nico is due to be presented with the "Condor D'Oro" award on Tuesday night. 

A Happy Christmas to you all!

I know this is not technically "Nico News" but it is Lapentti related and as Gio is very likely to follow in Nico's footsteps, I have decided to feature him a bit more, especially Nico is not playing too much tennis at present....!!!!   (If Nico does not watch out, little brother will be chasing him up the ATP rankings before long!)

16 December - Nico wins prestigious "Condor d'Oro" Award

I have been informed that Nico is to be awarded the Condor d'Oro Award, which I understand is the top sports award in Ecuador, awarded through Revista Estadio magazine.  The award is due to be presented to him on 21st December in a big ceremony at the Hilton Colon Hotel.  The award is evidently just like what an Oscar for an actor or a Grammy for a singer.  Well done.

There is going to be more coverage about Nico's year in the next issue of Estadio magazine and when that is out, I will put a link from this site.

A Merry Christmas to you all and I am sure you join me in Congratulating Nico for all his hard work this year and all the prizes and acclaim he is now receiving.

11 December - A Hectic week for Nico !

Nico returned to Ecuador from his exploits at Hanover to a hero's welcome.   I have it on good authority that life for the Lapentti family has been very busy the last few days!  The media has gone crazy to get interviews and Nico has had to visit many different radio and TV stations - the life of a star!!! 

The launch of the new website was held at the Hilton Colon Hotel on the evening of Thursday 9th December for the press, friends and invited guests of the Lapentti family but this is not all that happened.

At midday on Thursday Nico was honoured in Quito at the National Congress and was named Honorary Ambassador to Ecuador.  This event was attended by all the Lapentti family who went to Quito especially to see Nico receive this honour.

After a hectic week, Nico will be returning to training for the new season shortly.  He will be in Chile with his coach Pato before Christmas although I presume he will return to Guayaquil to celebrate Christmas and the new year with his family.

4 December - Hanover Round Up and official end of year rankings

Nico's year ended in Hanover last week.  Although he did not find the form that had taken him so close to beating Andre in Paris, he did show the crowd that he had guts.  Although the scoreline did not show it, his rematch with Andre Agassi (1st Round Robin match) was quite close and Nico found some angles and corners of the court that left the American looking bewildered.  Nico was very disappointed not to be able to put up a better fight against Guga and in his press conference afterwards looked like "he had been run over by a ten tonne truck!" 

The revelation of the week was Nico's determination to stick with Pete Sampras for as long as he could.  Pete has never gone 0 : 12 on break point conversions as far as I can remember.  Beforehand, Pete had predicted that he would "be able to finish Lapentti off quite quickly" - his words not mine, but I think Nico played the match of his life and quite often had the former World No.1 and undisputed Player of the Decade on the run.

This is just the first of many visits to the World Championships Finals for Nico and I am sure he will benefit from the experience of this year in the future.

All in all it was a wonderful year for Nico and he thoroughly deserved his place at the Final table.  He ends the year as World No.8 and (hopefully) will improve on this as soon as he gets to the sunshine of Australia in January and America in March!!!!

12 November - Another Quarter Final in Stockholm

Another week and another quarter final.  That is now the 13th time this year that Nico has made the quarter finals or better on the ATP Tour.  He is one of the only players I know that has only lost ONE (yes ONE) opening round match and he thoroughly deserves his place at No.8 in the world rankings.

In Stockholm this week, he beat Peter Wessels and Filip Dewulf (who had to play through the qualifying competition - so was more used to the court) before he took on another young player who has made it big on the Tour this year - Swede Magnus Norman.   Norman has won 5 ATP Tournaments this year and is quickly rising to the top - but not quick enough to steal Nico's thunder.  Unfortunately Nico lost to Norman but now will have a few days rest and relaxation before the practice and preparation will start in earnest for the World Championships in Hanover.

8 November - Nico has made it at last - TOP 10     &     HANOVER

When the new ranking list was issued this morning, Nico finally takes his rightful place inside the Top 10.  He is No.8 and within striking distance of Thomas Enqvist who is at No.7 - less than 20 points behind now.  A good run at Stockholm and Nico might even go higher...

Nico's name has also been confirmed in the starting line up for the ATP World Championships in Hanover which start on 23rd November.  He is 8th on the list but may go higher if players like Sampras or Kiefer decide to withdraw due to their current injury worries.