5 Things you don't know about Elena Dementieva

Tennis Magazine - April 2009

1. SHE CALLS HOME TO SPEAK TO HER DOGS
"I know it sounds crazy.  I just love them (Rocky, a French bulldog, and Patrick, a Yorkshire Terrier).  They're so much fun.  Absolutely two different dogs, two different characters, but I just love them."

2. LINUS HAS HER BLANKET, ELENA HAS HER BIRD
"I always have one little toy (a tiny stuffed bird) with me, which was given to me by my parents when I was born.  I always carry it with me.  It brings me luck.  I just think it's good to have it with me.  I feel safe like that.

3. SHE LIVES IN MONTE CARLO, BUT NEVER ROLLS THE DICE
"I've never been in a casino, never in my life.  I don't think I will ever go there.  I just think it's so stupid.  I just feel if I have any extra money, it's better to help someone."

4. TENNIS IS GREAT, BUT HER PASSIONS LIE ELSEWHERE
"I'd prefer to work in the gym instead of spending a couple of hours on the tennis court hitting balls.  I like to play, but I think I could be a runner.  I just like to run.  I would run the 100 meters, for sure."

5. HER LOVE OF CHOCOLATE IS CONSUMING
"I'm trying to stay under control, but it's really hard.  When I go to Switzerland, I always buy some extra stuff.  I really love that really good dark chocolate."