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Status: ATP no. 102. Won four career ATP singles titles. Reached highest singles ranking of 8 in 2006.
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 181
DOB: June 17, 1985 In: Limassol, Cyrpus
First Tennis Memory: First memory…me climbing up the fences in the tennis club. Because of my brothers were playing and I was just climbing the trees and fences [smiles], never missed a match of my brother, older brother. He used to play too, so. (How old were you then?) Ah, I think I was born on a tennis court. My father used to carry me. Being out there practicing, you know, as a baby. I guess I was all the time playing tennis since I was one or two years old in the tennis club.
Tennis Inspirations: My older brother in the beginning. Back then it was when I was really young I couldn’t watch tennis. The first match that I ever saw was in 1992 – Andre Agassi when he won Wimbledon against (Goran) Ivanisevic. That was the first match I ever saw in my life. Andre became my hero. And then once I got to watch more, Patrick Rafter was my other idol. Those two were my inspirations but I think the first inspiration that I have was my older brother, for me, he was like God, yeah.
Greatest Career Moment: Beating Roger Federer I think in Indian Wells. That felt unbelievable. Yeah, I think that’s the one (saved three MPs in 3R win vs Federer at 2010 Indian Wells).
Most Painful Moment: I could say the match against Andre (five sets vs Agassi at US Open 2R in 2006) was very painful. Was really painful. But are you talking what match and moment? (Whatever comes to mind.) When I moved my disc (in back) on the tennis court and I had to go off on a wheelchair. So that was pretty scary and tough. (Against who?) Ivo Karlovic.
Favorite Tournament: I would say Wimbledon because of the history. Yeah, I like it.
First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: I was in the tennis academy so there were lots of professional tennis players…but really famous, felt the most, like, how do you say…goosebumps…was meeting Rafter in Australian Open the year I played finals. I think that was the day just before the finals. That was a great moment for me.
Strangest Match: Like I said, two times when I got off of the court with a wheelchair.
Favorite Sport Outside Tennis: Soccer.
Three Athletes You Like To Watch & Follow: Three athletes that I like to watch and follow…I mean, mostly soccer, like Ronaldo. I mean, I like the game. I don’t watch anybody in particular. I love the game.
Last Book Read: The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari [laughs].
Current Car: Audi A5 (white).
Funniest Players Encountered: Funniest…Nick Kyrgios is pretty funny. When he wants to [smiles]. Ah…yeah that’s it. I don’t hang around too many players.
People Qualities Most Admired: Happy and honest I think. I mean, when you’re happy you’re honest, most of the time.
From Scoop Malinowski
