Veteran tennis player Mikhail Youzhny has confirmed that he will end his career later this year after winning his first round match at the Atlanta Open.
The four-time grand slam quarter-finalist strolled to a 6-2, 6-0, win over American wild card Emil Reinberg in the first round of the tournament. Winning 100% of his first service points (17/17) and converting five out of nine break point opportunities. Following the victory, Youzhny confirmed that he will be retiring from the sport in September during his on-court interview.
“First of all, I would like to thank for the atmosphere as it is always pleasant to play here,” Youzhny said immediately after his win against Reinberg.
“I would like to state now that I am wrapping up with my career as the time has come and this is a very emotional moment.”
“I will be playing in the following tennis tournaments in the United States and will then participate in St. Petersburg [tennis tournament]. It will be the last tournament in my career.”
36-year-old Youzhny has been ranked as high as eight in the world back in 2008. During his career, he has won 10 titles on the ATP Tour with the most recent occurring at the 2013 Valencia Open. He has also played in the main draw of 68 grand slam tournaments. The Russian has achieved 31 wins over top 10 players during his career. Youzhny has also enjoyed success in the doubles by winning nine titles on the world tour.
Youzhny has earned the nickname ‘colonel’ for his post-match salutes. Where he would put his racket on his head and then salutes fans with his right hand. In 2010 he achieved a PhD in philosophy from the University of Moscow. His thesis was titled “Professional Tennis Players on the Court.”
Currently ranked 105th in the world, Youzhny still has work ahead of him in Atlanta. In the second round he will play seventh seed Mischa Zverev. A player who he won two ATP doubles titles with during 2008.
Youzhny’s final tournament, the St. Petersburg Open, will get underway on September 17th. He made his ATP Tour debut back in 1999 at the Moscow Open at the age of 17.
After his R1 win tonight at the @BBTatlantaopen, former World No. 8 Mikhail Youzhny announced he will retire from the pro tour in September in St. Petersburg.#USOpenSeries pic.twitter.com/lyEDQSMEH5
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) 25 July 2018
