Teymuraz Gabashvili
A mercurial Russian tennis talent whose powerful baseline game produced stunning upsets on the sport's biggest clay courts.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Russian tennis player·Birthday: May 23·Millennials
Biography
Teymuraz Gabashvili brought a thunderous, high-risk style to the tennis tour, a player capable of blasting anyone off the court on his day. Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, he represented Russia and turned professional in 2001, taking years to find his footing. His career is defined by spectacular runs at Roland Garros, where the slow clay gave his heavy groundstrokes time to wreak havoc. He famously reached the fourth round twice, as a qualifier in 2010 and again in 2015, defeating top-10 players like Andy Roddick and Stan Wawrinka in dramatic fashion. These performances propelled him to a career-high ranking of World No. 43. Outside these Parisian highlights, his results were inconsistent, but he remained a feared early-round opponent for over a decade, known for his explosive forehand and emotional on-court demeanor.
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.
Teymuraz was born in 1985, 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 Teymuraz Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Teymuraz's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Reached the fourth round of the French Open twice, in 2010 and 2015, as a qualifier and direct entry respectively.
- Achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 43 in February 2016.
- Defeated former World No. 1 Andy Roddick in the first round of the 2010 French Open.
- Won one ATP Challenger Tour singles title and reached three ATP Tour finals.
Did You Know?
He is of Georgian origin and was born in Tbilisi but chose to represent Russia in international competition.
He defeated Swiss star Stan Wawrinka in the third round of the 2015 French Open.
He is known for having one of the fastest forehands on tour, regularly measured over 100 mph.
“You have to go for your shots, even if you miss sometimes.”
