# Richard Krajicek

> Dutch tennis player

**Wikidata**: [Q309859](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q309859)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Krajicek)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/richard-krajicek

## Summary
Richard Krajicek is a Dutch former professional tennis player, best known for his powerful serve and winning the Wimbledon men's singles title in 1996. He was a dominant force in men's tennis during the 1990s and early 2000s, representing the Netherlands in international competitions.

## Biography
- **Born**: December 6, 1971
- **Nationality**: Dutch (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
- **Known for**: Winning the 1996 Wimbledon men's singles title and being one of the Netherlands' most successful tennis players
- **Field(s)**: Professional tennis

## Contributions
Richard Krajicek made significant contributions to professional tennis, particularly in the 1990s. His most notable achievement was winning the Wimbledon men's singles title in 1996, defeating MaliVai Washington in the final. This victory marked the first and only time a Dutch male player has won a Grand Slam singles title. Krajicek was also known for his powerful serve, which was one of the most feared in the game during his career. He reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 4 in 1999 and was a key player in the Dutch Davis Cup team.

## FAQs
**What is Richard Krajicek best known for?**
Richard Krajicek is best known for winning the Wimbledon men's singles title in 1996, becoming the first and only Dutch male player to win a Grand Slam singles title.

**When and where was Richard Krajicek born?**
Richard Krajicek was born on December 6, 1971, in the Netherlands.

**What was Richard Krajicek's highest singles ranking?**
Richard Krajicek reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 4 in 1999.

**What was Richard Krajicek's playing style?**
Richard Krajicek was known for his powerful serve, which was one of the most feared in the game during his career.

## Why They Matter
Richard Krajicek's victory at Wimbledon in 1996 was a historic moment for Dutch tennis, as he became the first and only Dutch male player to win a Grand Slam singles title. His powerful serve and competitive spirit made him a formidable opponent on the court, inspiring a generation of Dutch tennis players. Krajicek's success helped raise the profile of tennis in the Netherlands and contributed to the growth of the sport in the country.

## Notable For
- Winning the Wimbledon men's singles title in 1996
- Reaching a career-high singles ranking of world No. 4 in 1999
- Being known for his powerful serve, one of the most feared in the game during his career
- Representing the Netherlands in the Davis Cup

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Richard Krajicek was born on December 6, 1971, in the Netherlands. He began playing tennis at a young age and quickly showed promise as a talented player. Krajicek turned professional in 1989 and soon made a name for himself on the ATP Tour with his powerful serve and aggressive playing style.

### Professional Career
Krajicek's professional career spanned from 1989 to 2003. During this time, he achieved significant success, including winning the Wimbledon men's singles title in 1996. This victory was a historic moment for Dutch tennis, as Krajicek became the first and only Dutch male player to win a Grand Slam singles title. He also reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 4 in 1999.

### Playing Style and Legacy
Krajicek was known for his powerful serve, which was one of the most feared in the game during his career. His aggressive playing style and competitive spirit made him a formidable opponent on the court. Krajicek's success helped raise the profile of tennis in the Netherlands and inspired a generation of Dutch tennis players. He was also a key player in the Dutch Davis Cup team, contributing to the country's success in international competitions.

### Retirement and Post-Career
Richard Krajicek retired from professional tennis in 2003. Since his retirement, he has remained involved in the sport, including working as a commentator and analyst for tennis events. Krajicek's legacy as one of the Netherlands' most successful tennis players continues to inspire young athletes in the country.

## References

1. The Bud Collins History of Tennis (2nd ed.)
2. [Source](https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/stcrt-2017-68475.html)
3. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
4. Association of Tennis Professionals website
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Integrated Authority File
7. ITF website
8. Virtual International Authority File