The Amazing Tale of Alex Bogomolov, Jr.

Written by: Staff on 31st August 2011

The Amazing Tale of Alex Bogomolov, Jr. |

(Courtesy of USTA)

A teaching pro just two years ago, Alex Bogomolov Jr., who plays Steve Johnson
today, is enjoying the best season of his career in 2011. The 28-year-old enters today’s
match ranked a career-best No. 44 in the world, making him the No. 4 American man
behind Mardy Fish, Andy Roddick and John Isner.

Bogomolov finished between No. 97 and No. 220 in the world between 2003 and 2008,
when his balky left wrist required surgery. (Bogomolov is right-handed but employs a two-
handed backhand.) During his time off, Bogomolov’s ranking plummeted into the 300s
and he took a job as the professional in residence at the Napeague Tennis Club on Long
Island, in Amagansett, N.Y.

Bogomolov, the 2001 USTA Boys’ 18s National Champion, however, attempted to give

his pro career one last shot and worked his way back into the Top 150 last year with solid
results on the USTA Pro Circuit. This year he urged into the Top 50 by advancing to the
third round in Miami and at Wimbledon, as well as the semifinals at the Olympus US Open
Series event in Los Angeles, and qualifying for both Montreal and Cincinnati, winning
rounds at each. During that run, he posted victories over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Andy
Murray, Juan Ignacio Chela and Robby Ginepri.