Background
Okun was born in Haifa, Israel.
Okun was born in Haifa, Israel.
He reached a career-high singles ranking of World Number. 95 in April 2002. He, Harel Levy, and Dudi Sela have been Israel"s top singles players over the past few years. Okun trained at the Israel Tennis Centers.
He is Jewish.
Okun began playing tennis at age nine, and was selected to be part of the Israeli Tennis Federation program after a short course at school. Okun turned pro in 1999, at the age of 21. In 2000, Okun qualified for the Australian Open, where he lost to hometown favorite Mark Philippoussis in a five-set thriller, 4–6, 2–6, 6–2, 6–3, 2–6.
This was Okun"s grand slam debut.
In March 2002 Okun upset Albert Portas of Spain, ranked # 26 in the world, 7–6(4), 6–4, in Scottsdale. In July 2002 he upset Sjeng Schalken of the Netherlands, ranked # 23 in the world, 7–6(5), 7–6(4), in Los Los Angeles
In August 2003 Okun upset Martin Verkerk of the Netherlands, ranked # 15 in the world, 3–6, 6–3, 6–1, in Cincinnati. In June 2005, Okun qualified for Wimbledon, and lost to Gaël Monfils 6–3 4–6 4–6 6–7(14) in the first round.
In September 2005, Okun qualified for the United States Open and lost to Mariano Puerta 6–7(4), 7–6(3), 4–6, 0–6 in the first round.
In September 2006, Okun qualified for the United States Open, and beat Potito Starace 6–2, 6–0, 4–6, 6–2 in the first round. Okun went down to Łukasz Kubot in the second round, 6–7(7), 4–6, 6–2, 6–2, 4–6.