Dominik Hrbatý
A Slovak tennis powerhouse who carved a unique place in history by being the first to defeat all three of the sport's future kings on his first attempt.
Born 1978 (age 48)·Slovak tennis player·Birthday: January 4·Generation X
Biography
Dominik Hrbatý burst onto the tennis scene with the bullish power of his forehand and a competitive fire that belied his quiet demeanor. The Slovakian reached his peak at the 1999 French Open, charging to the semifinals on the clay of Roland Garros, a run that announced him as a formidable force. His career was defined by consistency and a stunning ability to rise to the occasion against the very best. In a statistical quirk that speaks to his fearless game, he holds the distinction of beating Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic the very first time he played each of them—a club with only two other members. While a major title eluded him, Hrbatý's tenacity and that remarkable trifecta of victories secured his legacy as a giant-slayer in an era of giants.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Dominik was born in 1978, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dominik Was Born
The biggest hits of 1978
#1 Movie
Grease
Best Picture
The Deer Hunter
#1 TV Show
Laverne & Shirley
Dominik's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1978Born
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1983Started school
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1991Became a teenager
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1994Could drive
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1996Could vote
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Turned 21
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2008Turned 30
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2018Turned 40
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 48 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Reached the semifinals of the 1999 French Open, his best Grand Slam result.
- Achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 12 in October 2005.
- Won six ATP Tour singles titles and represented Slovakia in Davis Cup competition for over a decade.
- Is one of only three men to defeat Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic in his first match against each.
Did You Know?
His nickname on tour was 'Dominator'.
He defeated a 17-year-old Rafael Nadal in straight sets at the 2004 Miami Open.
He won the bronze medal in men's doubles at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta with partner Karol Kučera.
“My forehand is my signature; it wins the point.”
