When Brazil's Gustavo Kuerten came out of nowhere to win the French Open in 1997, he was a wonderful breath of fresh air to the game of pro tennis. He was loose and mellow, loved to surf and played with great passion. Guga, as he is better known, went on to win to more French titles - in 2000 and 2001. He also won the men's tour's year-end championship in 2000 and was ranked number one in the world for a time.

He's had a hall of fame career but the sad part is, he wasn't able to go out on his own terms. He has battled serious hip problems since that third French Open win. On Tuesday, he played his last competitive match at the Costa de Sauipe Open tournament in Brazil.

He will be missed. My favorite memory of Guga came after he won that last French title: he drew a giant heart on the clay court with his raquet then laid down in the middle of it. He loved the tournament, loved the game and was beloved by the fans - including me.

Pictured below: Guga presented the champions and runner-up trophies at last year's French Open to winner Rafael Nadal and finalist Roger Federer.