Began playing at age eight with the help of his mother, Svetlana, who also coached his sister, Natalie Medvedeva, who reached a career-high of No. 23 on WTA Tour...Considers himself an ethnic Russian...Last name in Russian means Bear..Enjoys playing golf...Supports Dynamo Kiev and AC Milano soccer teams…Sponsors his hometown tennis club with charitable contributions…Served as chairman of the ATP Tour Charities in 1995...Has a 31-8 career Davis Cup record (20-3 in singles) in 16 ties since 1993...Coached by childhood friend Andrei Rybalko (since April 1999) and fitness trainer is Anatoly Glebov.