Andrei Medvedev: Italian interview
May, 23, 2001. Paris

Who was your first instructor?

My stepfather Yuriy Cherepov was my first coach. Since then, I had many other good teachers. I think I was lucky in my carrier with the coaches.

I know that your most favourite food is ours (italian), and in particular "home-cooked and Italian dish, the lasagna…… Why??

Italian friend of mine, Enzo Gottardo (take a look at the picture on the right), who lives and works in Monte-Carlo, has a sister who lives in San Remo and she makes the best lasagna in the world! I can eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other than that, I think Italian food is great and its rich with nutrition. When did you come in Italy for the first time in your life?

I was about 14 and I played a junior tournament in Alessandria. I like Italy ever since then.

I still know your best singer is Pavarotti , Which Pavarotti's song do you prefer? in my opinion is "Vincero"?

My favourite singer is Alexander Rozenbaum. From Italians, I like Pavarotti, but I dont have a favourite song.

Has this sport changed your life?

Yes. It gave me the vision and expirience that I wouldn't have been able to get by the age of 26 living and working in Kiev.

How many cities have you visited when you came in Italy……any particular ?

Most of them. I like Italy. It has a rich history and culture and a lot of simularities in charachter of people from my country :)

In that second you throw up the ball during the service, what are your thought?

Depends on the situation in the match. But I wish I could ace every time I serve. Is there pasta in your ideal training food ?

Pasta is a great food, but not the ONLY food I would eat during practices.

Tell me something about your "relationship" with internet….if you have it!

I use Internet every day. Its an important sourse of information while I am on the road. Besides, it's one of the main ways I stay in touch with my friends. I thinks Internet is one of the best thing that has been invented by humans.

Do you like italian girls?…any famous in particular?

I like girls in general. Italian girls have a special beauty and I like them. In a perfect world, I would not look for the nationality or the look of the girl I go out with. I try to find something deeper that would connect me to that person. I respect the famous girls, but I wouldnt like to date a famous Italian girl, because they are too spoiled :)

What's the right approach for young guys to tennis?

Work hard and dedicate your life to it.

Best wishes for Roland Garros…..I don't ask you who will be the winner, but, in your opinion, who is the best italian player you've challenged?

Thank you. There were and are many good Italian players. I respect them all and I wish them all the best in their carriers.

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