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By Scoop Malinowski
Status: WTA no. 79. Winner of two WTA singles titles (Budapest 2021, Nurnberg 2019). Best ranking was 27 in 2017.
Ht: 5-4
DOB: January 7, 1995 In: Moscow, Russia
First Tennis Memory: That’s a tough one. I remember myself playing with a group of kids on a wooden surface. I think I was like four or five back then. That’s my first memory. When I was trying to hit the ball over the net. It was fun.
Tennis Inspiration: Nadal.
Last Book Read: The one Charlie St. Cloud.
Current Car: No, I don’t drive [smiles].
First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: Cibulkova in Slovakia. No, she was the first one I took a photo from. She definitely wasn’t that famous back then. I think I was like 10 or 11. But I was in Slovakia playing an under 12 tournament. She was playing Fed Cup, Slovakia against someone. I remember she was like as short as me so my father said, Go take photo from her, she’s good [laughs]. And I went and she was so nice. So I don’t think she remembers it.
Greatest Sports Moment: There was a few but definitely finals of St. Petersburg. Winning first WTA title in Budapest (2021).
Most Painful Moment: When I lost to Serena in Roland Garros.
Favorite Tournaments: That’s a tough one…I like Indian Wells and Wimbledon.
Which Match Did You Feel At Your Best: No, I don’t remember that.
Closest Friends In Tennis: Gavrilova and Smalina, wife of (Egor) Gerasimov.
Funniest Players: Gavrilova and Kasatkina.
Strangest Match: I remember playing Nuremberg when it was like 10 degrees. It was the coldest match I ever had.
Favorite Sport Outside Tennis: Football.
Three Athletes You Like To Watch & Follow: I like Rafa. I like (Conor) McGregor. And I like Ronaldo.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Cookies and cream.
Why Do You Love Tennis: Because it’s fun [smiles]. And when you win [laughs].
People Qualities Most Admired: When they are honest. And when they fight for their dreams.
BNP Paribas Open · KSwiss · Miami Open · Yulia Putintseva
