Mikhail Youzhny
A cerebral Russian tennis warrior known for his fierce one-handed backhand and saluting victory celebrations.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Russian tennis player & coach·Birthday: June 25·Millennials
Biography
Mikhail Youzhny carved out a formidable 19-year career on the ATP Tour with a combination of technical brilliance and fiery determination. Nicknamed 'The Colonel' for his habit of saluting the crowd after wins, he was a consistent threat who peaked at world number eight. His game was built around a fluid, attacking one-handed backhand, one of the best of his era, and a sharp tennis intellect. Youzhny captured ten singles titles, including prestigious events in Munich and Chennai, and was a stalwart for Russia in Davis Cup, playing on two championship teams. Perhaps his most memorable moment came at the 2010 US Open, where he defeated Tommy Haas and reached the semifinals, cementing his reputation as a big-match player who thrived on the sport's grandest stages.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Mikhail was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Mikhail Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Mikhail's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Reached a career-high ranking of world No. 8 and spent over 150 weeks ranked inside the top 20.
- Won ten ATP singles titles, including the 2010 BMW Open and the 2008 Chennai Open.
- Was a key member of the Russian Davis Cup team that won the title in 2002 and 2006.
- Reached the semifinals of the US Open in 2006 and 2010, defeating higher-seeded players en route.
Did You Know?
He famously saluted the crowd after big victories, leading to his 'Colonel' nickname.
He holds a PhD in Philosophy from the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism.
He once used his racket to hit himself in the head during a match, resulting in a bleeding cut that required medical attention.
“I fight for every point because nothing is given to you.”
