Nicolas Lapentti was born on August 13th, 1976 in Guayaquil, Ecuador. He turned pro in 1995 and has won five titles on the ATP Tour. He began playing tennis at the age of six and turned into an excellent junior player. He won his first ATP title in his debut season.

Lapentti's best year came in 1999 when he won two tournaments and reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open. These results saw him rise up the rankings to a career high position of sixth. His last win came in 2002. He is still a very dangerous opponent who can compete with the leading players.