Around 23 years ago, the world number 121 won the Japan Open, becoming the lowest ranked winner of the tournament in men’s tennis history.
The player, who defeated a former world number two in the final, still holds the record to this day.
The last instance of this kind occurred in 2022, when world number 152 Borna Coric won the Cincinnati Open.
Despite his slim odds, this unheralded star battled his way to the title, defeating three seeded players along the way.
Meet Kenneth Carlsen
Kenneth Carlsen began his journey at the 2002 Japan Open ranked 121 in the world, making him a clear outsider for the title.
However, after defeating a fellow unseeded player in the first round, Carlsen stunned 11th seed Dominik Hrbatý, winning 6-4, 6-4.
Carlsen, who never broke into the top 40 during his career, caused an even greater shock in the next round, defeating fifth seed Juan Ignacio Chela.
In the quarter-finals, Carlsen defeated Frenchman Antony Dupuis, before facing off against eighth seed Paradorn Srichaphan.
Carlsen emerged victorious against his Thai opponent, winning a close contest 7-6, 7-6.
In the final, the Dane faced Magnus Norman. The Swedish star was a qualifier at the tournament, despite previously being ranked number two in the world.
Again, Carlsen proved too strong, defeating Norman 7-6, 6-3 to win the title.
| Round | Opponent | Score |
| One | Noam Okun | 6-4, 6-4 |
| Two | Dominik Hrbatý | 6-4, 6-4 |
| Three | Juan Ignacio Chela | 6-6, 7-6, 7-6 |
| Quarter-final | Antony Dupuis | 6-3, 6-2 |
| Semi-final | Paradorn Srichaphan | 7-6, 7-6 |
| Final | Magnus Norman | 7-6, 6-3 |
Carlsen, a left-hander who boasted a powerful serve and an effective one-handed backhand, won three ATP Tour titles during his career, before retiring from the sport in 2007.
What did Carlsen and Norman say after the final?
Following the final, the pair spoke to reporters regarding their respective performances.
Carlsen, who had won his second ATP Tour title, admitted he may have been somewhat lucky to have come away with the victory.
As per BBC Sport, Carlsen said: “I was a bit lucky to have pulled it out.”
Meanwhile, Norman reflected on a missed opportunity. In the final game, he spurned two break-point opportunities, hitting three errors to present the title to Carlsen on a platter.
Norman said: “I didn’t take my opportunities. My head was not 110 per cent there as it has to be in a final.”
