My parents had a normal life in Russia and they could have easily kept living a normal life, working and raising a child in Russia.
I heard endless conversations between my parents when I was going to sleep about how we would survive, how we would continue. All of them were about trying to make me better.
You control your own wins and losses.
I definitely feel Russian inside, even when I'm in America I feel Russian.
I have a Russian heart.
I try not to hit a swing volley and run back. So my swing volley is kind of that transition to the net. It's been one of my favorite shots ever since I was young.
I'm not a huge gym person, so I try to stay away from the gym. But I love to run on the beach or go for a walk. It's better than riding a stationary bike.
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.
I still love things that you don't even need to pay for. Going to the beach and being around five of your friends and having a good time means so much more than going out and spending hundreds of dollars.
When you are young, you are a little naive.
I've been very competitive by nature from a young age, whether it was eating a bowl of pasta faster than somebody else, or always wanting to be the first one in line.
If I can create something that allows a woman to feel better - that is the true reward.
I'm focused on going out every day and doing my best.
When you travel so many weeks a year, it's always nice to have a home-cooked meal.
I never really had an idol.
I help design my own tennis clothes.
When I make a commitment I stick to it.
There's not many firsts in my career, as I have been a part of many tournaments and fortunate enough to win many.
I think it's so cool to be tall. Even when I'm not wearing heels people tell me I'm tall and I always take it as a complement. The good thing is I can always see everybody in the room.
I love street style, seeing how girls wear pieces and how their pair accessories with their outfit. How they pair shoes with a bag and go to day to night and change things up.
