Began playing tennis at age seven with his older brother Eduard, who was a gifted player himself and has been a big influence in his career... Parents Vladimir and Tatjana live in Volgograd, Russia... Born in Severodonezk, Ukraine but at age of 15 moved to Salmtal, Germany... Received Russian citizenship at 18 and moved back to Russia in early 2004... His favorite players growing up were Ivan Lendl and Yannick Noah... Enjoys fishing, soccer and hockey... Considers clay and rebound ace (hard) his favorite surfaces and strength is his quickness... Has a 6-4 Davis Cup record in singles in six ties... Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin attended his title effort in Moscow in 2004 and his Davis Cup home ties in 2005... Coached by his brother Eduard (since 1992).