Gustavo “Guga” Kuerten is one of the most loved tennis players in history. He captured hearts with his big smile and amazing skills on clay courts. Even though he retired years ago, fans still want to know what he is doing now.
In this article, you will know Gustavo Kuerten’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Gustavo Kuerten’s Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gustavo Kuerten |
| Date of Birth | September 10, 1976 |
| Age | 49 |
| Education | Center of Arts of Santa Catarina State University (Drama course) |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Weight | 183 lbs (83 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 1995 |
| Net Worth | $10 Million – $12 Million (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | $14,807,000 |
| Wife | Mariana Soncini |
| Instagram Profile | @gugakuerten |
| Twitter Profile | @gugakuerten |
Early Career
Gustavo Kuerten was born in Florianópolis, Brazil. He started playing tennis when he was just six years old. His father loved tennis and encouraged him to play. Sadly, his father passed away when Gustavo was only eight.
This was a very hard time for him, but he kept playing. At age 14, he met a coach named Larri Passos. This meeting changed his life forever. Passos saw great talent in him and became his mentor.
He played as a junior player for several years. He traveled to different countries to compete in tournaments. It was not always easy for him. He faced players who were stronger and more experienced.
However, he worked very hard to improve his game. In 1995, he finally decided to turn professional. This was the start of a huge journey for him and his family. He wanted to make his family proud through his success on the court.
Professional Career
Gustavo became a tennis superstar quickly. He surprised everyone in 1997. He was ranked number 66 in the world but won the French Open. He beat three former champions to win the title.
This victory made him a hero in Brazil. He wore colorful clothes and had a fun personality that fans loved. He was the first Brazilian man to win a Grand Slam singles title.
He won the French Open again in 2000 and 2001. In 2000, he also became the World Number 1 player. He beat legends like Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi to reach the top spot. He played with a lot of heart and passion.
Sadly, hip injuries started to hurt his game later on. He had surgeries but could not play at his best level anymore. He played his last professional match in 2008 in front of his fans at the French Open.
Wife
Gustavo Kuerten is a happily married man. He married his wife, Mariana Soncini, in November 2010.
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They got married on his brother Guilherme’s birthday, which was a special day for the family. Mariana is a speech therapist and prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
The couple has two beautiful children together. Their daughter, Maria Augusta, was born in 2012. A year later, in 2013, they welcomed their son, Luis Felipe.
Gustavo loves spending time with his family. He often takes his children to their activities, like piano lessons and tennis practice.
Coach
The most important coach in Gustavo’s life is Larri Passos. They started working together when Gustavo was 14 years old. Larri was more than just a coach to him.
He was like a second father. Larri taught him how to play with discipline and heart. He traveled with Gustavo to almost every tournament around the world.
Larri Passos is famous for his intense training methods. He always believed Gustavo could be the best player in the world. Even when things were tough, Larri pushed him to keep going.
They had a very close bond that lasted throughout Gustavo’s entire career. Even after Gustavo retired, they remained close friends. Larri sometimes helps with tennis camps and events in Brazil.
Gustavo Kuerten’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Gustavo Kuerten has an estimated net worth of around $10 million to $12 million. He earned this money from his tennis prize money and smart business choices after he retired.
Career Earnings
| Year | Singles Prize Money | Doubles Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | $17,195 | $5,560 |
| 1996 | $96,385 | $17,450 |
| 1997 | $1,480,104 | $106,649 |
| 1998 | $592,000 | $85,973 |
| 1999 | $1,397,425 | $46,535 |
| 2000 | $3,413,198 | $35,090 |
| 2001 | $2,394,670 | $46,334 |
| 2002 | $268,620 | $56,940 |
| 2003 | $623,255 | $18,825 |
| 2004 | $192,275 | $2,800 |
Endorsements
Gustavo Kuerten was a very popular player for brands. During his playing days, he had big deals with companies like Diadora for clothing and Head for racquets. Later, he signed a deal with Olympikus.
After he retired, he continued to be a face for major brands. He has worked with Lacoste, Peugeot, and the luxury watch brand Hublot. He also has a partnership with Banco do Brasil. These deals helped him build his wealth even after he stopped playing tennis.
Career Stats
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Career Titles (Singles) | 20 |
| Career Titles (Doubles) | 8 |
| Highest Ranking | No. 1 (December 2000) |
| Career Win-Loss (Singles) | 358–195 |
| Career Win-Loss (Doubles) | 108–95 |
| French Open Titles | 3 (1997, 2000, 2001) |
| Total Prize Money | $14,807,000 |
FAQs
1. Why did Gustavo Kuerten retire from professional tennis?
He retired because he had serious hip problems. He went through several surgeries to fix the pain, but his body could not handle the high level of competition anymore.
2. How many French Open titles did Gustavo Kuerten win?
Gustavo won the French Open three times in his career. He lifted the trophy in Paris in 1997, 2000, and 2001, making him a legend on clay courts.
3. What is Gustavo Kuerten doing now?
He runs his own tennis school and foundation in Brazil. He also mentors young players like João Fonseca and spends a lot of time with his wife and children.
4. Did Gustavo Kuerten ever reach the world number one ranking?
Yes, he became the world number one tennis player in December 2000. He was the first South American player to reach this top spot in the official rankings history.
5. Who was the coach that helped Guga the most?
Larri Passos was his main coach and mentor. He discovered Gustavo when he was 14 and coached him through all his three Grand Slam victories and world number one success.
