Mikhail Biryukov

Mikhail Biryukov had a brief but promising career as a tennis player. The son of Irina Kiseleva, a four-time world champion in modern pentathlon, Biryukov began his career in 2009, playing on the ITF Future Tour. That same year he made his début on the ATP World Tour, receiving a wildcard entry into the main draw at the Kremlin Cup, but lost to Serhiy Stakhovskyi in the first round.

In 2010 Biryukov represented Russia at the Summer Youth Olympics in Singapore, winning silver in the doubles with compatriot Viktor Baluda. He also competed in the singles at the Games, beating Mate Pavić (CRO) before losing to the eventual bronze medallist Damir Džumhur (BIH). Biryukov made his second and final appearance at the ATP World Tour in 2013 at the St. Petersburg Open but lost in straight sets to Guillermo García López of Spain. In October that year he also achieved his highest singles ranking, reaching 292 in the world. He retired in 2014 and later worked as a coach.

Tragically, Biryukov was only 27-years-old when he was found dead in an apartment in Moskva in October 2019. His death was listed as a suicide by the local media and authorities.