Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Equipment: Blackout 300, Hyper-G

Current Coach to ATP Player: Taylor Fritz

Michael Russell’s dogged competitive spirit and affinity for fitness has earned him nicknames such as: “Muscle Russell”, “Wheels”, and “Iron Mike”.

Michael Russell grew up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. His father, a tennis club owner and coach, helped develop his skills and set him on a path to ATP success. After winning the USTA Boys 16 Nationals in Singles and Doubles in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Michael achieved the year-end #1 Ranking in Singles and Doubles. He proceeded to play college tennis for the University of Miami, Florida on a full scholarship. Michael turned Pro in 1998. After two and half years on tour, he broke into the top 100 in the world after reaching the fourth round of the French Open.

Throughout his 17 year career, he overcame three career threatening knee surgeries, a torn labrum and rotator cuff, a broken arm, a bulging disc, and other serious injuries. Most athletes would have walked away from the sport with all of the adversity faced, however Michael’s perseverance and determination is unmatched by most.

Russell retired from professional tennis in 2015 at the age of 37. Following his retirement, he embarked on a distinguished private coaching career, leveraging his expertise as a defensive counter-puncher, his insights into fitness strategy, and his relentless work ethic to guide his tennis students. Currently, he is the coach to top 10 player, Taylor Fritz.