Began playing tennis at age six....Admired Andre Agassi and countryman Marat Safin while growing up...Enjoys playing on most surfaces except grass and does not have a favorite shot....Likes to play with his computer to go on the internet, emailing, watching movies and music (especially House)...Wife, Rushana; son, Egor....Coached by countryman Vadim Davletshin (since May 2007).