You have to believe on the court. In the end, it's mental. In these moments against a great champion like Rafa, you have to believe. It's all about stepping in and taking your chances. I always believed, but it's a process of learning.

You have to consistently be successful to be one of the top players in the world, and everything is possible in life.

I embraced, I think, the process of becoming No. 1 of the world, which was long and difficult, but it's sweeter in the end.

I had a nice childhood. War and all the experiences affected me as a person and helped me to grow, to change.

Mostly the problems when I was down were caused by myself. There were times when I was not responsible enough or decisive enough.

Mangling my racket and an odd swearword on the court is not something I am proud of and it shouldn't happen, but even my coaches have told me that it's sometimes better to let it all out, the anger inside you, because keeping it bottled would just eat you up in the long term.

Tennis players we're always playing in center courts that feel like arenas. And when we get on the court and the crowd cheers your name or salutes you - it's like you're a gladiator in the arena. And everyone is cheering - and you're fighting, you're screaming, during your strokes - it feels like you're an animal, fighting for your life.