Mikhail Mikhailovich Youzhny, affectionately known as “Misha” and “The Colonel,” is a retired Russian professional tennis player. Youzhny reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 8 in January 2008 and again in October 2010.
Over his career, Youzhny won 10 ATP singles titles and was an integral part of Russia’s Davis Cup victories in 2002 and 2006.
You can follow Mikhail Youzhny’s biography, personal details, career details, wife, net worth, prize money, career earnings, endorsements, career stats, achievements, and more here.
Mikhail Youzhny’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Mikhail Mikhailovich Youzhny |
| Nickname | Misha, Colonel |
| Birth Date | June 25, 1982 |
| Height | 183 cm (6’0″) |
| Weight | 73 kg (160 lbs) |
| Birthplace | Moscow, Russia |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Current Net Worth | $14 million |
| College | University of Moscow |
| Turned Professional | 1999 |
| Relationship Status | Widowed |
| Wife/Girlfriend | Yulia (deceased January 2024) |
| Instagram Profile | @youzhnyofficial |
Mikhail Mikhailovich Youzhny was born on June 25, 1982, in Moscow, Russia. He grew up in a family with a strong military and sports background.
His father, Mikhail, was a Soviet army colonel who played a pivotal role in guiding Mikhail and his brother Andrei towards tennis. His mother, Lubov, was also involved in sports as a professional tennis player.
Early Career
Youzhny played his first junior tournament in April 1995 at the 8th Sochi International Junior Tournament. In 1997, Youzhny reached the semifinals of the Ozerov Cup, where he lost to Belarusian Maxim Belski.
Youzhny’s first junior tournament win came in August 1997 when he partnered with Igor Kunitsyn to win a doubles event. His first junior singles title was secured in February 1998 at the Slovak Junior Indoor Tournament, where he defeated Frantisek Babej in the final.
Professional Career
Mikhail Youzhny turned professional in 1999 and quickly made his mark on the ATP Challenger circuit. By 2000, he had won his first Challenger title in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Youzhny’s breakthrough year came in 2002 when he won his first ATP title at the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart, defeating Guillermo Cañas in a five-set final. He also played a crucial role in Russia’s Davis Cup victory that year.
In 2010, Youzhny achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 8. This year was particularly successful for him as he reached five ATP finals, winning 2 titles.
Throughout his career, Youzhny was known for his ability to perform well across all surfaces. He won a total of 10 ATP singles titles and 9 doubles titles.
In the later stages of his career, Youzhny continued to compete at a high level but faced challenges maintaining top rankings. Despite this, he remained competitive until his retirement in 2018.
Wife
Mikhail Youzhny was married to Yulia, with whom he shared a loving family. The couple tied the knot on November 22, 2008, in Moscow. Tragically, Yulia passed away on January 9, 2024.
Together, they had 3 children: 2 sons, Maxim, born in 2009, and Igor, born in 2012, as well as a daughter named Milana, born in 2019.
Mikhail Youzhny’s Net Worth Details
Mikhail Youzhny’s net worth is estimated to be $14 million as of 2025. This includes earnings from his successful tennis career and endorsements.
Prize Money
| Year | Singles Prize Money | Doubles Prize Money |
| 1999 | $9,800 | $750 |
| 2000 | $12,672 | $12,150 |
| 2001 | $243,890 | $14,395 |
| 2002 | $434,502 | $26,547 |
| 2003 | $265,065 | $92,294 |
| 2004 | $681,469 | $45,049 |
| 2005 | $568,795 | $70,360 |
| 2006 | $254,935 | $33,327 |
| 2007 | $721,595 | $54,090 |
| 2008 | $426,637 | $103,454 |
| 2009 | $870,733 | $53,114 |
| 2010 | $967,159 | $106,454 |
| 2011 | $684,145 | $125,778 |
| 2012 | $824,396 | $55,444 |
| 2013 | $1,690,456 | $100,338 |
| 2014 | $693,920 | $125,108 |
| 2015 | $151,532 | $18,625 |
| 2016 | $812,871 | $13,175 |
| 2017 | $161,198 | $1,070 |
| 2018 | $189,056 | $1,613 |
Career Earnings
Mikhail Youzhny earned substantial prize money throughout his career. His total career prize money amounts to $14,088,156.
Endorsements
Mikhail Youzhny, during his professional tennis career, had several endorsement deals. He was notably associated with brands such as Head and Adidas for his tennis equipment and apparel.
Additionally, in 2003, Youzhny was reportedly close to signing a three-year deal with Fila for sneakers and apparel.
Career Stats
| Category | Stat |
| Singles Titles | 10 |
| Doubles Titles | 9 |
| Highest Ranking | No. 8 |
| Grand Slam SF | US Open (2006, 2010) |
Achievements
- Reached ATP top-10 ranking
- Semifinalist at US Open (2006, 2010)
- Member of Russia’s Davis Cup winning team (2002, 2006)
- Ten ATP singles titles
- Nine ATP doubles titles
FAQs
1. Who is Mikhail Youzhny?
Mikhail Youzhny is a retired Russian professional tennis player born on June 25, 1982. Known for his one-handed backhand, he achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 8 in January 2008 and won 10 ATP singles titles. He retired in 2018 after a career spanning nearly two decades.
2. What are Mikhail Youzhny’s major career achievements?
Youzhny reached the semifinals of the US Open twice (2006 and 2010) and the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments. He also won two Davis Cup titles with Russia (2002, 2006) and finished his career with 10 ATP singles titles and 9 doubles titles.
3. Why is Mikhail Youzhny nicknamed “The Colonel”?
Youzhny earned the nickname “The Colonel” due to his celebratory salute after matches, which referenced his father’s military background as a Soviet Army colonel. This unique gesture became a signature part of his tennis persona.
4. What was Mikhail Youzhny’s playing style?
Youzhny was known for his tactical intelligence and versatility on all surfaces. His one-handed backhand was a standout feature, though not considered among the most powerful. He relied on mental toughness and strategic play to compete against physically stronger opponents.
5. How many Grand Slam semifinals did Mikhail Youzhny reach?
Youzhny reached two Grand Slam semifinals, both at the US Open in 2006 and 2010. In 2006, he notably defeated Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals before losing to Andy Roddick in the semis.
6. What role did Mikhail Youzhny play in Russia’s Davis Cup victories?
Youzhny played a crucial role in Russia’s Davis Cup wins in 2002 and 2006. In the 2002 final, he made history by becoming the first player to win a deciding fifth rubber after trailing two sets to love.
7. How much prize money did Mikhail Youzhny earn during his career?
Over his career, Youzhny earned $14,264,450 in prize money from singles and doubles competitions combined, reflecting his consistent performance at top-tier tournaments.
8. When did Mikhail Youzhny retire from professional tennis?
Youzhny announced his retirement in 2018, with his final match taking place at the St. Petersburg Open. He ended his career with 499 ATP singles match wins, just shy of the milestone 500 mark.
9. Did Mikhail Youzhny ever win an ATP title on grass courts?
Despite reaching finals on all surfaces, Youzhny never won a singles title on grass courts. However, he did secure doubles titles on grass during his career.
10. Who was Mikhail Youzhny’s coach throughout his career?
Youzhny was coached by Boris Sobkin from 2000 until his retirement in 2018. Their long-term partnership was one of the most enduring player-coach relationships in professional tennis.
