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At the peak of his career Vincent Spadea was a top-20 player, a member of the American Davis Cup squad and an Olympian. At the low point, he couldn't crack the top 200, thought of quitting and drank plain coffee because latte was too expensive.
"It was just a roller-coaster ride," Spadea said Monday.
Spadea, a 29-year-old Boca Raton resident, won his first ATP Tour title in his 223rd tournament Sunday, beating Nicolas Kiefer 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3 at the Franklin Templeton Classic in Scottsdale, Ariz. Seeded fourth, he beat No.6 James Blake in the quarterfinals and top-seeded Andy Roddick, the world's No.3 player, Saturday.
His comeback hasn't garnered the press of Andre Agassi or Monica Seles, but it should not be overlooked.
Five years ago, Spadea was a rising star.
Four years ago, he went 3-28, including a humbling 21-match losing streak. The next season, overcome with doubt, he played mainly in challenger events. His practice habits worsened. His drive plummeted. And his poor play caused great anxiety.
"I stopped enjoying what I was doing," Spadea said. "I didn't know if my fitness was there, if mentally I was tough enough, and I didn't know if my game was any good."
At the 2001 U.S. Open qualifier, Spadea bottomed out, losing to David Nalbandian, then a relative unknown. Spadea said he spent the next several days wandering alone through the streets of New York, wondering which direction his life was headed.
"I panicked," Spadea said. "Half the time I couldn't find my name on the ranking sheet."
He made phone calls to friends and asked for their advice. He hired former Pete Sampras mentor Pete Fischer as his coach and spent time with a sports psychologist. The button had been pushed. His drive to play was back.
"I went home to Boca and started a new life," Spadea said.
Spadea started 2001 ranked No.229.
He's now at No.22.
"I had a great week," he said. "That's the best I've played in a while. It all culminated, all the work I've been doing. I just put it all together. It wasn't a coincidence or luck."
He spent Monday with his sister in Los Angeles. "I think I'm going to relax, get a massage, jump in the pool and have some cheesecake."
DOUBLE SHOT: The One-on-One Doubles Championships, a halfcourt serve-and-volley tournament, is Friday-Sunday at Hunter's Green Tennis and Athletic Center in Tampa. The event includes teaching professionals, college coaches, current and former college players, senior circuit players, aggressive club players and tournament level juniors. The deadline for entry is Wednesday. Call 1-800-446-2238 for information.
UPCOMING: The Mercedes-Benz Classic charity exhibition at the St. Pete Times Forum, featuring Andy Roddick, Jim Courier, James Blake, Jennifer Capriati and Seles, is 7 p.m. March 23. Proceeds will benefit the First Serve Program and the St. Pete Tennis Foundation. For more information call (813) 301-2500.
ODDS AND ENDS: Gustavo Kuerten's win at the Brasil Open was his 20th ATP title and first clay-court championship since 2001. He is 20-9 in finals and 14-4 in finals on clay. ... The Bausch & Lomb Championships in Amelia Island has secured commitments from Serena Williams, Justine Henin-Hardenne, Amelie Mauresmo, Lindsay Davenport and Vera Zvonareva. The event begins April 5. Call 1-800-486-8366 for ticket information.