Professional Career
In 2003, Vahaly enjoyed a breakthrough season on the ATP circuit, advancing to the semifinals of Memphis (falling to Andy Roddick) and the quarterfinals of Indian Wells. He defeated three top 10 ranked players Fernando González, (2003 French Open Champion and former world #1) Juan Carlos Ferrero, and Tommy Robredo at Indian Wells and later teamed with Andy Roddick in Washington, D.C. to defeat the #1 ranked doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan. During the year he also posted wins over Michael Chang and Vince Spadea. He also debuted at the Australian Open losing to eventual champion Andre Agassi and at Roland Garros losing to Lleyton Hewitt, and made his first appearances at Tennis Masters Series tournaments. Vahaly was the only college graduate in the top 100 in the world and was recognized by People magazine in their 25 Hottest Bachelors issue. In March 2003, Brian reached his career high ATP Champions race ranking of 27 in the world.
In 2003, Vahaly also started the Brian Vahaly Brighter Future Foundation raising over 300,000 dollars for his own local charity within the Georgia community. It serves to help underprivileged kids with after-school programs by providing academic and tennis opportunities to children in need. Additionally, Vahaly worked with the St Vincent de Paul society to give back to families in disadvantaged circumstances. Since retiring from the tour, the Foundation has currently partnered with the Georgia Tennis Foundation to continue to assist young children in local YMCA community centers.
In 2004, Vahaly spent most of the year on the ATP circuit playing events in Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Newport, Houston, Indian Wells, San Jose, Adelaide, and the Australian Open (losing to finalist Marat Safin).
In 2005, Vahaly continued to improve his ranking with success at the Challenger level. He won the Tallahassee Challenger in April, posting impressive wins over Robert Kendrick in the semi-final and Justin Gimelstob in the final. During the summer, he played World Team Tennis for the New York Buzz. In October, he won the Calabasas, California Challenger beating Gimelstob and Jeff Morrison en route to the title. He also competed at Indian Wells and posted wins in the ATP event in Delray Beach.
Vahaly began 2006 strongly, beating Sam Querrey at the ATP International Series event in Las Vegas. He was unable to play any tournaments after July due to a shoulder injury. Despite the injury, Vahaly played his last tournament at the U.S. Open losing to the eventual 2009 US Open Champion Juan Martín del Potro. After the tournament, Vahaly revealed that the shoulder injury had plagued him for some time. On September 7, 2006, Brian underwent surgery to repair several tears to his right rotator cuff. At the time, Vahaly understood the seriousness of his injury but hoped to eventually return to tennis. He had two additional surgeries later that year.
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