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Up close and personal with Yevgeny Kafelnikov

Here at Rolandgarros.com we know you love to get an insight into the real person behind the tennis star facade. Here, 1996 French Open winner Yevgeny Kafelnikov shares his love of fast cars and golf.

Who’s your sporting idol?
Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.

What’s your favourite sport outside tennis?
Golf. I’m crazy about it. My handicap’s 4. There was a time I loved poker, but I’m over it now. I also like watching the NBA.

What’s the best concert you’ve seen?
Beyonce in Moscow. I went with my daughter.

What’s your favourite thing for breakfast?
Croissants and a cup of tea.

When did you last get really angry?
It must have been when I was still on the tour. Probably when I lost a match I should have won.

Which actor would you choose to play you on screen?
Hmmm [we suggest Daniel Craig]. Ah yes, that’s not bad - James Bond’s really cool!

What’s your favourite website?
I tend to surf all of the Russian news sites. Every morning I log on to see what’s going on in the world.

What’s the last thing you do before going to sleep?
I have a hot shower.

What’s your favourite film?
Braveheart!

Tell us something that puts you in a bad mood.
My 10-year-old daughter. She always gets her own way.

Who’s the nicest guy on tour?
Some people may disagree, but I vote for Nadal. He’s always available for the media and his fans. He’s an example to follow.

And the nastiest?
One year it was me! Maybe I deserved it. I must admit I wasn’t always very friendly.

What has been your most amazing experience?
Meeting Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin.

When did you first spend big with your prize money?
I wanted to buy a red Ferrari, so I did. I’ve sold it since then.

What do you have on your iPod?
Some hip-hop, some heavy metal. Lots of different things.

Who’s your ideal mixed doubles partner?
Ana Ivanovic. Everyone thinks she’s gorgeous, me included.

What’s the worst thing that could happen to you before a match?
Forgetting my rackets or my underwear.

Who are your friends in the tennis world?
Wayne Ferreira and Paul Haarhuis.

Tell us about your first kiss.
I must have been 16 or 17. It was with a Russian girl. Her name? I can’t remember. It was 20 years ago!