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Birthdate: |
7/14/1983 |
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Birthplace: |
Moscow, Russia |
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Residence: |
Moscow, Russia |
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Height: |
6'0'' (182 cm) |
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Weight: |
176 lbs (80 kg) |
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Plays: |
Right-handed |
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Turned Pro: |
2002 |
PERSONAL
Began playing tennis at age seven in Moscow at sports center Spartak. Father, Valeri, is a businessman; mother, Marina, is a housewife. Has one younger brother, Nikita, who also plays tennis. At age 15, moved to Valencia, Spain, where he lives and trains. Speaks three languages (Russian, English, Spanish). Hobbies include hockey and favorite team is Dinamo Moscow. Favorite player growing up was Andre Agassi. Considers forehand his best shot and favorite surfaces are clay and Greenset (hard). Coached by former ATP pro Jose Altur of Spain (since 1998) and practices in Valencia at Altur & Alvarino Tennis Academy.
2004 IN REVIEW
The young Russian finished in Top 50 for first time in his career, highlighted by reaching two ATP finals and winning a personal-best 28 matches (24 more than previous year).Also made his Davis Cup debut and went 2-1 in two ties.Came into Roland Garros with a 5-12 match record on season but made turnaround by advancing to his first Grand Slam 4th RD, defeating defending champ Ferrero in 2nd RD before losing to eventual winner Gaudio in straight sets.On grass, beat No. 9 Agassi at Queen's en route to QF (l. to Hewitt).Then lost in five sets to Gonzalez in 2nd RD at Wimbledon in his main draw debut.Three of his four Grand Slam losses came in five sets.Returned to clay in July and advanced to first ATP final in Gstaad (l. to Federer in four sets).Followed with QF in Amersfoort.Advanced to 3rd RD at Athens Olympics, losing to eventual gold medalist Massu in three sets.In September, reached final in Bucharest (l. to Acasuso). Then helped his country qualify for '05 Davis Cup World Group by defeating Srichaphan in opening rubber of playoff tie in Moscow.Compiled career-best 15-11 record on clay, 6-10 on hard, 5-3 on grass and 2-4 on carpet.Also went 15-10 in tie-breaks.In doubles, captured title at Boca Raton Challenger (w/Tursunov) and won first ATP title in Moscow (w/Davydenko).Earned a career-high $431,346.
2003 IN REVIEW
The young Russian had a standout year on Challenger circuit that included a 23-15 record.Made ATP debut later in year and went 4-4 in four tournaments.Began year playing in Futures before working way into Challenger action.Played first ATP match as qualifier in Bucharest, defeating top seed Davydenko in three sets before losing in three to Acasuso in next round. Once again knocked out top seed in Moscow, defeating Schalken in straight sets en route to very first ATP QF. Also defeated Ljubicic before losing to Mathieu in three sets. Also reached SF in doubles at Moscow (w/Davydenko). Won 1st RD match in St. Petersburg as wild card, defeating No. 4 seed Mirnyi in straight sets, but lost to Sargsian in 2nd RD. Reached finals in Challenger play three times - Braunschweig (l. to Eschauer), Helsinki (l. to Ascione) and Tampere (l. to Soderling). Won sole Futures title at Hungary F1 (d. Pashanski) in April. Also reached finals in three Futures events prior to Hungary title at Italy F1, F2 and F3.Earned a career-high $114,682.
2002 IN REVIEW
Began season with 33 ATP point effort at Spain #5 Satellite.Had successful June-July stretch by winning Finland F2 and Romania F1 and reaching SF at Romania F3. Won third Futures title of year in August at Russia F1. Played qualifying rounds at Bucharest, Palermo, Moscow and St. Petersburg but failed to reach main draw in all attempts. Improved year-end ranking more than 700 positions during year.
2001 IN REVIEW
Earned first ATP points at Spain #5 Satellite.
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