Raised in Moscow, began playing tennis at age four with his father, Evgeny, who still coaches him and used to play hockey...Never played junior circuit and picked up his first ATP points at age 15 in three German Challengers...Mother, Irina, is a housewife and sometimes travels to tournaments as well...Has one older brother, Alexey who helps with his business matters and considers him his best friend and "buddy" and works in Moscow...Speaks Russian, German, English and learning Spanish...Started learning English at age seven with a private tutor...Favorite players growing up were Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Stefan Edberg and admired Sampras the most...Hobbies include hockey and enjoys playing or skating anytime he has a chance...Likes hard rock and favorite groups are Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne and Evanescense...Favorite surfaces are hard and clay courts and considers backhand his favorite shot...Coached by father, Evgeny.