Feliciano López
A Spanish tennis stylist with a devastating lefty serve, whose elegant game and remarkable longevity made him a beloved fixture on the tour for over two decades.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Spanish tennis player·Birthday: September 20·Millennials
Biography
Feliciano López played tennis with a kind of old-school flair that made him a fan favorite from Madrid to Wimbledon. Armed with one of the slickest left-handed serves in the game, he was a grass-court specialist who consistently made deep runs at the All England Club, reaching the quarterfinals multiple times. But to label him just a grass-court player undersells a career built on adaptability and sheer staying power. He cracked the world's top 15, claimed titles on multiple surfaces, and evolved into a formidable doubles player late in his career, winning the French Open in 2016. López’s career is a study in graceful endurance; he held the record for most consecutive Grand Slam main draw appearances for a male player, a testament to his consistent health and competitive fire. He was the gentleman sniper of the tennis court, respected for his skill and cherished for his sportsmanship.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Feliciano was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Feliciano Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Feliciano's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
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
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 12 in 2015.
- Won the men's doubles title at the 2016 French Open alongside Marc López.
- Reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals three times (2005, 2008, 2011), showcasing his grass-court prowess.
- Holds the ATP record for most consecutive Grand Slam main draw appearances by a male player (79).
- Won seven ATP Tour singles titles across his career.
Did You Know?
He is married to Spanish model and journalist Alba Carrillo.
He is known for his friendships with Spanish tennis royalty like Rafael Nadal.
He successfully transitioned into tournament directing, running the Madrid Open.
He is often noted for his model-like looks and was once dubbed 'Deliciano' by commentator Judy Murray.
“My serve is my signature, and grass is my canvas.”
