Petr•Pala

2001 IN REVIEW

The Czech Republic native enjoyed his most successful season in doubles with countryman and brother-in-law Pavel Vizner...The duo compiled a 33-28 match record and despite not winning a title together, they reached finals in Rotterdam and Roland Garros (l. to Bhupathi-Paes)...They also advanced to SF in Munich, TMS Roma, TMS Hamburg and Vienna...Enjoyed the most success in Europe on clay in May-June which culminated in reaching the Roland Garros final, their best career Grand Slam result...Prior to Paris, won his first career ATP title in St. Poelten (w/Rikl)...Played in 28 tournaments (w/Vizner) and partnered with two other countrymen during season - David Rikl and Leos Friedl...Finished No. 6 in ATP Doubles Team Race and No. 18 individually...Earned a career-high $240,711.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

1995-Reached first Challenger doubles final in Prague in July and stayed in Czech capital following week to play ATP event, reaching SF (both w/Skoch)...1996-After reacihng Challenger final in Kosice in June on clay (w/Kodes Jnr), advanced to 3rd RD at Wimbledon on grass (w/Vizner)...Following week, won first Challenger doubles title at Bristol (w/Richardson)...Also reached SF in Umag (w/Rikl) and 2nd RD at US Open (w/Vizner)...1997-Played exclusively on Challenger and Satellite circuit, winning title in Pilzen (w/Urh) and reaching final in Ulm (w/Luxa)...1998-Advanced to Challenger finals in Pribram (w/Stepanek) and reached final in Aachen (w/Ketola)-1999-Reached ATP final in San Marino (w/Vizner) and SF in St. Poelten (w/Krupa)...In Challenger play, reached final in Prague (Cibulec) and SFs at three other events...2000-Advanced to ATP finals in Shanghai and Stockholm and won Challenger title in Charleroi (all w/Vizner).

PERSONAL

Began playing tennis at age four with his father, Frantisek, who reached final in Monte Carlo in 1972 and played on tour from 1968-1979...Mother, Vera, is a housewife...Older sister, Monika, is married to doubles partner Pavel Vizner...The Czech 16s champion in singles and doubles...While growing up, admired Yannick Noah and Miloslav Mecir...Enjoys skiing, soccer (favorite team is Spartak Prague) and hockey (favorite teams are Spartak Prague, NHL Pittsburgh Penguins)...Biggest career achievement is reaching Roland Garros doubles final in 2001...Coached by his father Frantisek.