Kafelnikov skips the Australian Open for the second year in a row. He lost to Moya in Monte Carlo. Kafelnikov fell in the second round of the French Open to Enqvist in 4 close sets. He beat Medvedev and Korda in defending his grass court title in Halle. He fell in the opening round to Philippoussis at Wimbledon. Kafelnikov fell to Johannson in the round of 16 at the US Open.

Kafelnikov suffers a hand injury for most of the year. Kafelnikov reaches the final of the ATP championships beating Chang 6-3 6-0. He is injured for the most part of the year. He surprises himself by reaching the Quarter finals of the French Open where he loses to unseeded Kuerton. With Vacek, he won the French Open and the US Open. He won the Halle event on grass.

Kafelnikov won his first slam at the French Open conceding only one set to Krajicek, who went to win Wimbledon. He defeated, Sampras 7-6 6-0 6-2 and Stich in straight sets to take the slam. He also took the doubles title with Vacek. He wins another title in France, beating Hennman and Korda to win in Lyon. Becker beat Kafelnikov in the Quarter finals at the Australian Open on his was to the title. Kafelnikov was beaten by Hennman 7-6 6-4 6-7 3-6 7-5 at Wimbledon, after fighting back from 2 sets down to hold a match point in the 5th set. Kafelnikov withdrew from the US Open because they degraded his high ranking and seeded him at 6.

Kafelnikov beats top seeded Agassi to reach the Semi finals of the French Open.

Kafelnikov won the title in Adelaide and lost in the second round in the 6-3 2-6 6-3 1-6 9-7 . He had a terrific year picking is ranking from 132 to 11.

Yevgeny's GRAND SLAM Record