Vera Zvonareva and Mikhail Youzhny Earn College Degrees

Written by: Staff on 16th December 2011

Vera Zvonareva and Mikhail Youzhny Earn College Degrees

Mikhail Youzhny of Russia reacts during his semi final match against Marin Cilic of Croatia at the St. Petersburg Open ATP tennis tournament in St.Petersburg, Russia, 29 October 2011. EPA/ANATOLY MALTSEV |

Many are aware that Vera Zvonareva graduated from the Russian State Academy of Physical Education and is currently going for a second degree in international economic relations at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow. But she is not the only Russian tennis player to mix study with sport.

Mikhail Youzhny has also recently graduated, from the University of Moscow with a PhD in Philosophy, and he received his degree at a ceremony held at the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism. It wasn’t easy, as he preferred to concentrate on his career during the season, rather than travel with a pile of books as some other players have done in the past.

“I didn’t mind if it took 5, 6, 7, 8 years, when I had some free time I could do it slowly,” he said. In fact, it took six years after he began the course in 2005. “I feel good because I took the time to do what I wanted to do, I finished it, and I’m happy with that.

“I didn’t do the degree to help my tennis career on the court, but maybe it can help some coaches working with young players. I speak about it to some young guys I see and how I think they’re doing, but it is mainly for young coaches who want to be a good coach.”

Topics: Mikhail Youzhny, Vera Zvonareva