Born on February 12, 1980 in Onteniente, Spain, Juan Carlos started to play tennis at age seven with his father, Eduardo. His main inspiration for tennis was his mother Rosario, who passed away when he was 17..His speed and small physique have quickly earned him the nickname "Mosquito". He turned Pro in 1998, and has won many titles since then, which has earned him the honour of being one of the eight Spaniards to ever finish within top 10 at the end of the year.