Born on June 25, 1982, Mikhail began to play tennis at age six. He ha complied outstanding results in the juniors, reaching the finals of the Australian Open in 1999. He turned pro the same year, and ended in top 100 in 2001, being the third-youngest player to enter top 100. He's won a few titles since then, but the true moment he became famous was in 2002 Davis Cup finals when, replacing Kafelnikov, he overcame a two-sets defecit and won the match, helpnig Russia to win its first Davis Cup final. Proclaimed Russian Hero, he's improved his game considerably since then and has become an oustanding player, rising to find his place amongst fellow Russian stars, like Marat Safin and Yevgeny Kafelnikov..