Juan Ignacio Chela was born on August 30th, 1979 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He turned pro in 1998 and has won four ATP titles. Chela is a clay court specialist who has an very good record in Davis cup matches. In 2001 he was banned for 3 months for failing a drugs test.

He won his first ATP title in 2000 in Mexico City. He has had three more wins since and reached a career high ranking in August 2004 of 15th. His best finish in a grand slam is the Quarter Finald which he achieved at the 2007 US Open losing out to David Ferrer in straight sets.