Yevgeny Kafelnikov

A poker and golf player who earlier excelled in Tennis. That is the story of Yevgeny Kafelnikov, the Russian Tennis player who would emerge as one of the best in the post-Soviet break-up. He gave good competition to the likes of Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras in that era. A smooth player, with a visually pleasing serve and backhand game, Kafelnikov was a constant in the top 10 for most of his career. Towards the end, there were accusations of betting against him which sullied his career slightly. But, as a poker player, he perhaps knew the ebbs and flows of life that accompanied a sporting career. Kafelnikov was hailed as a role model for the way how he put Russia on the world map in Tennis. In subsequent years, he has not been much in the media spotlight but his contributions will forever be acknowledged by the Tennis world.

Born in the resort town of Sochi, Russia on February 18, 1974, Yevgeny Kafelnikov had a jerky serve with a smooth two-handed backhand. He used to rely primarily on the baseline, with serve and volley not been used to the optimum. 

Kafelnikov won three titles in his breakthrough year of 1994. His notable success in that year came against top-five ranked players. From a rank of 102, Kafelnikov ended the year as the world number 11. During the 1995 season, he had some major scalps on his way to some titles. In the Milan Masters, he defeated Michael Stich, Boris Becker, and Goran Ivanisevic to win the title. His other major win was against world number one Andre Agassi in that year.

But, his major break came in the 1996 French Open. His style of play was suitable on clay and he made great progress. Kafelnikov defeated Pete Sampras in the semi-final of the 1996 French Open. Remarkably, this would be the best result for Sampras at Roland Garros in his playing years. After beating Sampras, Kafelnikov managed to put in his best show to beat Michael Stich in straight sets to win the French Open for the first time. 

In that same tournament, Kafelnikov partnered with Daniel Vacek to win the doubles title as well. Kafelnikov consistently reached the quarterfinal and semi-final in all Grand Slams. After the high of 1996, Kafelnikov won the Australian Open in 1999 by beating Thomas Enqvist in four sets. After the Australian Open win, he became the world number one in May 1999. 

But, apart from singles, if one has to look at Kafelnikov’s career, he succeeded in doubles a lot more. He won the French Open doubles three times in 1996, 1997, and 2002. He also secured the US Open title in 1997. As his career faded, Kafelnikov’s success rate dropped. He won the gold medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and also helped Russia to the Davis Cup title in 2002. 

In 2003. Kafelnikov announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 29. Apparently, there were some betting rumors, including his one match in Lyon against Fernando Vicente. But, the Russian has denied all allegations to this date. 

Grand Slam record

Australian Open: W (1999)

French Open: W (1996)

Wimbledon: QF (1995)

US Open: SF (1999, 2001)

Doubles record

Australian Open: QF (1995, 1999)

French Open: W (1996, 1997, 2002)

Wimbledon: SF (1994, 1995)

US Open: W (1997)

Olympic record: 2000 gold medal singles Sydney Olympics