Dmitry Tursunov

Dmitry Tursunov is a Russian tennis coach and former professional player known for his powerful baseline game, quick wit, and candid personality. After moving to the United States at age 12 to pursue a tennis career, Tursunov rose to a career-high singles ranking of World No. 20 in 2006.

He won seven ATP singles titles and seven doubles titles, played a pivotal role in Russia’s 2006 Davis Cup victory.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Dmitry Igorevich Tursunov was born on December 12, 1982, in Moscow, Russia, and later resided in Moscow throughout his professional and coaching career. Standing 185 cm tall and weighing 81 kg, Dmitry Tursunov played right-handed with a two-handed backhand.

He began playing tennis at age five, guided by his father, and moved to the United States at age 12 for advanced training. He was coached by Vitaly Gorin for his entire pro career.

Junior Career

Tursunov’s early years were marked by a rigorous training regimen in Russia before relocating to the United States. He competed in ITF junior events and quickly transitioned to the professional circuit, setting the stage for a steady climb through the ranks.

Career

Tursunov turned professional in 2000 and steadily progressed through the Futures and Challenger circuits, overcoming multiple injuries early in his career. He broke into the ATP Top 100 in 2003 and reached his first Grand Slam third round at the US Open that year.

His breakthrough came in 2006, when he achieved a career-high singles ranking of No. 20 and helped Russia win the Davis Cup, clinching decisive matches against top players.

Known for his aggressive baseline play and powerful serve, Tursunov captured seven ATP singles titles, including victories on hard and grass courts. His best Grand Slam singles performances were reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon (2005, 2006) and the third round at all other majors. In doubles, he won seven titles and reached the semifinals at the 2008 French Open.

Tursunov was instrumental in Russia’s Davis Cup triumph in 2006 and contributed to the team’s run to the finals in 2007. He also won the 2007 Hopman Cup alongside Nadia Petrova.

After a series of injuries, Tursunov retired from professional tennis in 2017, closing a career defined by resilience, humor, and a strong presence on tour.

Coaching Career

Transitioning to coaching after retirement, Tursunov quickly established himself as a sought-after mentor on the WTA Tour. He has coached several top players, including:

Elena Vesnina (2017–2018), Aryna Sabalenka (2018–2020), Anett Kontaveit (2021–2022), Emma Raducanu (2022), Belinda Bencic (2022–2023), and Veronika Kudermetova (2023).

Tursunov’s coaching achievements include 14 singles titles and 4 doubles titles won by his players, with notable successes such as Sabalenka’s multiple Premier-level titles, Kontaveit’s surge into the Top 10, and Bencic’s WTA victories.

Career Record

Singles

• Career Titles: 7
• Highest Singles Ranking: No. 20 (October 2, 2006)
• Final Singles Ranking: Unranked (at retirement, July 6, 2025)
• Career Record: 231–218

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open – 3rd Round (2007)
• French Open – 3rd Round (2006, 2008, 2014)
• Wimbledon – 4th Round (2005, 2006)
• US Open – 3rd Round (2003, 2006, 2008, 2013)

Other Tournaments

• Olympic Games – 1st Round (2008, 2012)
• Davis Cup – Winner (2006), Finalist (2007)
• Hopman Cup – Winner (2007)

Doubles

• Career Titles: 7
• Highest Doubles Ranking: No. 36 (June 16, 2008)
• Final Doubles Ranking: Unranked (at retirement, July 6, 2025)
• Career Record: 111–128

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open – 2nd Round (2009, 2014)
• French Open – Semifinals (2008)
• Wimbledon – 2nd Round (2007, 2008, 2011, 2014)
• US Open – 3rd Round (2008)

Other Tournaments

• Olympic Games – 2nd Round (2008)

Mixed Doubles

• Best Grand Slam Mixed Doubles Performance: Wimbledon – Quarterfinals (2010)