Began playing tennis at age six at a local club with his father, Givi, who at age of 20, played on one of Russia's best soccer teams...He then began to play tennis at 33 and became a solid amateur player; mother, Ketino, also played tennis; younger brother, Kote, is studying law in Georgia...Favorite hobbies are playing soccer (not watching it on TV for too long) and chess (took four months of lessons when he was eight)...His favorite food is Italian because it's similar to Georgian...Enjoyed an outstanding junior career by reaching final at Wimbledon in 1998 (l. to Federer) and SF at European Championships in 1997...Finished as No. 10 junior in world in 1998...Considers his forehand as best shot...Has a 12-1 career Davis Cup record (8-0 in singles) in seven ties…Coached by Carl Wetter.