Coached by former ATP pro Peter Lundgren of Sweden (since May 2004) who
was also the former coach of Roger Federer.
Began playing tennis at age six with his father, Misha, director of a
small tennis club in Moscow, and mother, Rausa Islanova, who served as
her son's coach from ages 6 to 13
A fan of Spartak, Moscow soccer team and NBA star 'Shaquille O'Neal (I)'
Named ATP Newcomer of Year in 1998 and ATP Most Improved Player of Year
in 2000
Trains part of season in Valencia where he spent most of his years as a
youth (from age 13-19) and works out with several Spanish players
Beat Pete Sampras in 2000 at the age of 20 at his first ever Open, the U.S.
Open
Won his second Grand slam title at the Australian Open in January 2005.
He beat Lleyton Hewitt in the final.
Is of the ethnicity - Tatar, a small Muslim ethnic group residing in
the Russian Federation. Is a known Tatar in the major sports of Russia
along with fellow Tatar and Muslim and soccer phenom Marat Izmailov.