Throwback: Kuerten Claims No. 1 Following Masters Cup Brilliance in Lisbon
On the final day of the 2000 season, the Brazilian sensation outshone Agassi to ascend to the pinnacle of tennis.
Date: November 20, 2025
Photo credit: Henri Szwarc/Bongarts/Getty Images
Gustavo Kuerten capped 2000 with a stunning four-match winning streak against Top 10 players, clinching the World No. 1 title.
Written by Andy West
While achieving the coveted No. 1 ranking in the PIF ATP Rankings usually demands twelve months of relentless effort, Gustavo Kuerten’s ascent is forever tied to a whirlwind 48-hour spectacle in Lisbon.
During the 2000 Nitto ATP Finals (formerly the Tennis Masters Cup), the Brazilian prodigy delivered remarkable performances against two legendary Americans, securing the tournament trophy, his inaugural World No. 1 ranking, and the ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF honors—all in a single flourish.
At the season’s prestigious finale, reigning No. 1 Marat Safin needed three match victories to ensure he remained at the top. However, he fell short, losing to Pete Sampras in the group stage and Andre Agassi in the semi-finals. With a window of opportunity open, Kuerten faced a pivotal challenge: he had to defeat Sampras in the semi-finals and Agassi in the finals to claim the No. 1 spot.
With the passionate crowd of Lisbon rallying behind him, Kuerten overcame physical hurdles that had haunted him throughout the week, pulling off two unforgettable wins. He rallied from a set down to conquer Sampras in a thrilling semi-final before sealing his victory with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win against Agassi in the final.
Kuerten’s spectacular triumph in Lisbon marked his fifth title of the 2000 season. He showcased his prowess on clay with victories in Santiago, the ATP Masters 1000 in Hamburg, and at Roland Garros, reclaiming the title he first won in 1997. Additionally, he clinched his first-ever hard-court title in Indianapolis and reached further Masters 1000 finals in Miami and Rome, boasting a remarkable 63-22 season record, as detailed by the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Kuerten treasures the memories of the 2000 season and beyond. Even after retiring as a three-time Roland Garros champion and holding the World No. 1 ranking for a total of 43 weeks, he acknowledges that his dramatic victories in Lisbon hold a unique significance.
“As a tennis player, nothing could feel more rewarding than becoming No. 1 at the [Tennis Masters Cup], defeating both Pete and Andre back-to-back,” Kuerten remarked, proudly the only South American to achieve ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF honors. “This moment stands as the pinnacle of my career.”
