Born in a cultural city of Campinas, one hour drive from Sao Paulo.. Began playing tennis at age six at Equestrian Club of Campinas with local pros and earned his first ATP ranking point in 1996 at age 15 (as a wildcard) by playing in his hometown Challenger in Campinas, losing to Gustavo Kuerten in 1st RD... Nicknamed "Papagayo" which means parrott in English...The nickname was given to him by his close friends because he doesn't talk much (very reserved) unlike most of his countrymen...Younger brother Enrique played briefly at futures level...Considers hard courts his favourite surface...Coached by Carlos Albano since 2008.