He began the European clay season by winning the Estoril Open in an all–Spanish final, defeating Félix Mantilla, 7–6, 4–6, 6–3. This placed him at No. 9 in the world, his top 10 debut. Despite suffering an early exit at the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters to Galo Blanco 2–6, 6–7(3–7), he recovered by making it to three consecutive finals. Winning his first two at the Open SEAT Godó defeating Carlos Moyá, 4–6, 7–5, 6–3, 3–6, 7–5 and his first Masters title at the Rome Masters defeating Gustavo Kuerten, 3–6, 6–1, 2–6, 6–4, 6–2, his first win over a No. 1-ranked opponent. He lost the third final at the Hamburg Masters losing to Albert Portas, 6–4, 2–6, 6–0, 6–7, 5–7(5–7). He then followed his success by reaching the semifinals after defeating Lleyton Hewitt 6–4, 6–2, 6–1 at the French Open for the second consecutive year, losing again to the No. 1 seed, defending champion, and eventual champion Gustavo Kuerten 4–6, 4–6, 3–6. In his first Wimbledon, he was able to reach the third round losing to Britain's Greg Rusedski 1–6, 4–6, 4–6.