ZCZC
BSP-18
TENNIS-ATP-RUS-YOUZHNY
Russia’s Youzhny to end ATP tennis career
ATLANTA, July 25, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Veteran Russian tennis star Mikhail
Youzhny said on Tuesday that he would retire from the ATP Tour following the
St. Petersburg Open tournament in mid-September.
The 36-year-old from Moscow made the announcement after winning his first
round match at the Atlanta Open 6-2, 6-0 over American Emil Reinberg.
“The time is over,” the former world No. 8 said.
The 10-time ATP singles title winner said he is looking forward to
competing in a final grand slam at the US Open late next month, then wrap
things up at the St. Petersburg Open which begins September 17.
“I was so nervous this evening because I can announce I finish my tennis
career after US Open and one more tournament. I will play my club tournament
…. and this will be my last tournament.”
Youzhny, who is ranked 105th in the world, still has some work to do at
the Atlanta Open. He advances to the second round for a clash with German
seventh seed Mischa Zverev with the winner likely meeting top seed John Isner
in the quarter-finals.
Youzhny crushed Reinberg in just 73 minutes, winning a perfect 17 of 17
points on his first serve and breaking the American’s serve five times.
Youzhny competed in several Olympics and also won nine doubles titles. His
best result in a grand slam was reaching the semi-finals of the US Open twice
in 2010 and 2006 where he upset second seeded Rafael Nadal in the quarter-
finals.
BSS/AFP/BZC/1900HRS