I'm an athlete. I go out there and fight my heart out.

Whenever I have friends over, we end up eating and talking and losing track of time, and, once in a while, singing karaoke. It reminds me of the family meals we had in Russia, which always lasted a very long time. That's a tradition I miss.

When I walk through that gate to the court, that's my escape. I block out everything, good and bad.

You control your own wins and losses.

I love playing for my country, getting the support. Especially for the kids and everybody, showing my example of what I can achieve so early. And maybe they can achieve it, too, just to get that in their minds.

If you're able to help some people and make them smile and make them realize that life is good, then that's worth so much more than buying a pair of shoes.

It'll be great. Of course I was disappointed last year. But . . I'll get my revenge.