We live because of the dreams.

It was really impossible to break through in Russia. We couldn't buy any balls. We really didn't have any courts, no rackets, nothing. And no people to practice with.

Lady, can you speak up a little bit? Indianapolis is a little far from Europe - I can't hear you.

My mother said I would have more chances to become a tennis player than a football player.

All in all, I think Kazan is Russia's sportiest city after Moscow, leaving all the others far behind.

I've realized I can't waste any moment being unhappy.

I'm not fighting with myself. Oh, my God. That's how I am. You know, the story of the hippo? The hippo comes to the monkey and said, listen, I'm not a hippo. So, he paint himself like a zebra. He said but he's still a hippo. He said but look at you, you're painted like a zebra but you are a hippo. So then he goes, you know, like I want be a little parrot. So, he put the colours on him and he comes to the monkey and said but, sorry, you are a hippo. So, in the end, you know, he comes and said I'm happy to be a hippo. This is who I am. So, I have to be who I am and he's happy being a hippo.