Belgium has never really been known as a tennis powerhouse on the ATP tour. The only players to make a name for the country so far have been  Xavier Malisse, Christophe Rochus, and Oliver Rochus; all currently outside the Top 100. But possibly the best candidate for vast accomplishment could come from the young and rising Steve Darcis

At the stgart of the 2007 season, Darcis was ranked barley outside the top 500. After some fairly convincing wins in Future and Challenger events, he still arrived in Amersfoort ranked almost 300. But he proved that his ranking wasn’t a relevant factor compared to his natural ability to play great tennis.

He didn’t face much of a challenge, until he came up against Mikhail Youzhny. Not many assumed he could get past the tough Russian, who ranked 13 at the time. After splitting the first two sets, the players stayed fairly close to one another until Darcis finally capitalized on a break point opportunity. Possibly one of the biggest wins in his career, Darcis won 4-6 6-0 7-5.  He dominated in the final and claimed his first title, at the expense of Werner Eschauer.

Starting the year ranked at a low 485, Darcis finished the year ranked well inside the Top 100. Three months later and the hard-hitting Belgian has already established himself in the Top 50, and sits at a career high ranking of 46.  

The beginning of the year seemed very dismal for the rising star. But there was little that could stop him when he arrived on American soil. After almost losing to American Vincent Spadea in the first round, he plowed his way through to the final and convincingly defeated Robin Soberling  6-3 7-6.

Already Darcis has proved that he can compete with the best on clay and hard-courts. It seems very likely to assume that he can also compete on indoor-carpet. Because he has captured titles on different surfaces it opens various door to what he can accomplish.