Albert Costa has an impressive clay court record of 271–137 across 408 matches (66.4% — strong). A win rate of that calibre over 408 matches is a reliable indicator of genuine quality on this surface. With 12 titles, among the most prolific clay court champions in the Open Era: San Marino, Bournemouth, Marbella, Estoril and 5 more.

At Grand Slam level (Roland Garros): Albert Costa has been outstanding — 30–11 (73.2%) across 41 matches. Winning more than 7 in 10 Grand Slam matches on clay is the benchmark of an all-time great on this surface.

ATP Masters 1000 on clay (Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome): Albert Costa is elite here — 66–33 (66.7%) across 99 matches. Sustaining that win rate in the Tour's deepest regular-week draws is a defining quality of the very best on this surface.

20 finals reached on clay — won 12, lost 8 (solid 60% conversion) — consistently getting to finals and winning the majority is a hallmark of elite performers on clay. 34 semifinals. 53 quarterfinals.

vs. Top 10 on clay: 19–27 (41.3%, 46 matches). Competitive against the elite, but still narrowly below .500 — closing that gap would directly elevate the overall clay court profile.

By format on clay — best-of-five: 42–15 (73.7%); best-of-three: 229–122 (65.2%). Significantly better in five-set matches — a strong physical profile on clay that tends to tell as matches and tournaments progress.

Dominant season: 1998 — 34–8 (81.0%) from 42 matches. A campaign of 34 wins on clay in a single season is among the best single-season records the surface has seen — the clearest benchmark of what is achievable at peak level.