Elena Dementieva Bio and Pics 2012

Born October 15, 1981 in Moscow, Elena Dementieva's start in tennis was encircled with Russia's greatest. Her parents, Viatcheslav, an electrical engineer, and Vera, a teacher, both played recreational tennis. Their love for the game was such that they tried to enroll 7-year-old Elena and her brother in Moscow's most eminent sports clubs.

But the competition for spots was brutal. Dynamo and the Central Red Army Club both turned her down, citing minor imperfections in her movement. Finally she was accepted by the illustrious Spartak Club, where she was coached by Rauza Islanova, mother and trainer of Russian men's tennis great Marat Safin.

Elena's three years under Islanova were tough, but she keeps fond memories of her former coach. It was this toughness that forged Elena's hardy sportsmanship. "This desire to fight till the end was inherited from her because she was tough and preserved strict sports-like discipline," Dementieva said.

Elena Dementieva Pic

Elena Dementieva Pic

Elena Dementieva Pic

Elena Dementieva Pic

Elena Dementieva Pic

Elena Dementieva Pic