Filippo Volandri Italian tennis player Date of Birth: 05.09.1981 Country: Italy

1. Biography of Filippo Volandri
2. Professional Career and Achievements
3. Notable Victories
4. Suspicion and Doping Controversy
5. Personal Life and Interests

Biography of Filippo Volandri

Filippo Volandri, an Italian tennis player, was born on September 5, 1981, in Livorno, Italy. He currently stands as one of the top hundred tennis players in the world, holding the 84th position as of August 8, 2011.

Professional Career and Achievements

Volandri turned professional in 1997 and has earned a total of $2,720,040 in prize money throughout his career. Standing at a height of 182 cm and weighing 73 kg, he is known for his right-handed playing style. His highest career ranking was 25th in the world, achieved on July 23, 2007.

Notable Victories

In September 2006, Volandri reached the final of the ATP Bucharest tournament, where he faced Jürgen Melzer from Austria. Despite his efforts, he lost the match 6-1, 7-5. Later that month, he won his second career title by defeating Nicolás Lapentti from Ecuador in the final of the Sicily International tournament in Palermo.

In 2007, at the Italian Open (Rome Masters), Volandri achieved a significant milestone by defeating the former world number one, Roger Federer, in straight sets, with a score of 6-2, 6-4. This victory was seen as a triumph for Italian tennis, as it showcased a resurgence in the professional level of Italian male tennis players.

Suspicion and Doping Controversy

Volandri has faced suspicion in the past regarding involvement in match-fixing. His name has appeared on lists of players suspected of corruption by the Association of Tennis Professionals.

In January 2009, Volandri received a three-month ban from the ATP after testing positive for salbutamol during a tournament held on March 13, 2008, in Indian Wells, California. Although he had a medical exemption from the International Tennis Federation for the use of salbutamol, the federation deemed that he had exceeded the therapeutic dosage. His suspension lasted until April 14, 2009, and the federation required him to forfeit all prize money and ranking points earned during the period of his failed test. However, in March 2009, the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the ATP's decision, ruling that Volandri should have his ranking points and prize money restored. Volandri stated his intention to sue the ATP in relation to this unpleasant incident.

Personal Life and Interests

Volandri resides in Florence, Italy, and trains at the Florentine Tennis School under his coach, Fabrizio Fanucci. Known for his friendly nature and integrity both on and off the court, he enjoys spending time with friends, as well as his parents and sister Veronica, who is a tennis instructor. His father is a top executive in the chemical industry and is also the president of the Livorno Tennis Club, where Volandri began his tennis journey. Volandri has a passion for music, particularly Robbie Williams' songs and pop music, as well as thrillers in the film genre. Interestingly, he holds a diploma in accounting. Besides tennis, he is a fan of football and basketball. He also has a strong affinity for Coca-Cola and cannot live without the beverage.