Raised in Moscow, began playing tennis at age four with his father, Evgeny, who still coaches him and used to play hockey...Changed nationality to Kazakhstan in January 2010...Mother, Irina, is a housewife and sometimes travels to tournaments...Has one older brother, Alexey, who is his physio therapist and also coaches him, considers him his best friend (works in Moscow)...Speaks Russian, German and English...Started learning English at age seven with a private tutor...Favourite players growing up were Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Stefan Edberg...Hobbies include hockey and enjoys playing or skating anytime he has a chance...Likes hard rock and favourite groups are Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Creed, Iron Maiden...Favourite surfaces are hard and clay courts and considers backhand his favourite shot...Married long-time girlfriend Anna on July 15, 2011.
