The Fila News

The editors at teenvogue.com recently asked Sony Ericsson WTA Tour star Anna Chakvetadze a few questions to get to know her better!  Enjoy!

http://www.teenvogue.com/beauty/blogs/beauty/2009/05/20-questions-with-tennis-pro-anna-chakvetadze.html

20 Questions with Anna Chakvetadze

At 22, tennis player Anna Chakvetadze has already placed in the top-five worldwide players, played in the US Open, and won the Kremlin Cup in her hometown, Moscow. This girl is seriously talented! Now, she’s sponsored by Fila (which means LOTS of super cute tennis dresses) and she’s fighting her way back to a spot at the top. We caught up with Anna to chat about her goals, training schedule and her signature long hair!

1) When did you know you wanted to be a tennis player?
I knew I wanted to be a tennis player when I was about 14-15 years old. I didn’t start taking tennis seriously as a possible profession until then, as I was playing other sports and going to school full time. Tennis was just an after school activity until I was around 14 years old!

2) What’s the best part of your job?
I love being with Fila! I was so excited when my agent told me they were interested in having me endorse the brand. Fila is a classic tennis brand that has a rich history in tennis.  It’s fun to be the face of a big company like Fila! My former clothing company was too big and I was just one of many girls all wearing the same product. At Fila, I get to be more of an individual.

3) What’s your on the court style?
I love all the Fila on-court tennis dresses. Not only are they comfortable to wear, but they are also really nice-looking! I feel confident that not only can I win matches but will also look attractive. Probably on-court my style staple is my ponytail. I haven’t cut my hair in 5 years and it’s pretty long. The ponytail flies around when I’m playing and once even got caught in my racquet.

4) What about off the court?
Off-court I like to be comfortable and usually just wear jeans.

5) What are your favorite wins?
My favorite championship is the US Open, because I have played well in New York and I love the city. However, my favorite tournament is the Kremlin Cup in my home, Moscow. I never felt better than when I won the Kremlin Cup in 2007 in front of my friends and family.

6) Which tennis legend would you most love to play?
I would love to see how I would have matched up against Steffi Graf. She is a legend and probably the all time best player. I think it would have been a good match.

7) What are some of your goals for the future?
My # 1 goal right now is just to get my confidence back and get back into the top 10-15 in the world by the end of 2009. I finished 2007 at # 5 in the world and I believe it is just a matter of time before I’m back in the top 10. 2008 was a tough year for me but I’m pretty happy with how I’m playing now and feel that my game is back to where it was in 2007. Now the key is just to win some matches and get the confidence back.

What has been the most exciting moment of your career?
Again, by far the most exciting moment was winning the Kremlin Cup in 2007.

9) What’s the hardest part of what you do?
The hardest challenge for me is competing on a weekly basis against some of the best athletes in the world. Most of the girls on tour are much bigger physically than I am, so it can be very difficult and demanding on my body. I’ve got to manage my schedule better and make sure that I’m 100% physically in shape for the bigger tournaments.

10) What are you studying in school?
I have not declared a major yet.

11) If you weren’t a tennis player, what do you think you would like to do?
I always wanted to be involved in a business of some sort. My father was a successful businessman and I have always looked up to him. I’m not sure exactly what kind of business but probably something in women’s fashion.

12) What’s your beauty must have item?
I love lipstick and have about 100 different kinds!

13) What’s your beauty regimen?
My daily regimen is just to wash my face about 3-4 times per day. I use normal face wash soap that is not too hard on the skin and I always try to keep my face clean between practice and matches.

14) Do you wear makeup when you compete?
I don’t wear make up on the court but a lot of girls do. I prefer to wear a lot of sunscreen so I don’t get burnt, get wrinkles, and look too old…

15) What’s your best fitness advice?
The best fitness advice is to do something that you enjoy. Find a few workouts/activities that you love doing and focus on those. Working out can be fun and does not have to seem like a chore.

15) What is your biggest beauty or fashion indulgence?
My biggest splurge was a Louis Vuitton handbag!

16) Is there a treat or snack that you can’t resist?
Food! I love Russian food, of course, and sushi. I try to eat a lot of fish and stay away from fatty meats.

17) What has it been like traveling so much between Russia and the US?
I love both Russia and the US. Russia is dear to my heart as that is my home and probably where I love to be most when I’m not traveling on tour. I would say the Russian people are a bit more reserved and quiet where the Americans seem very loud and confident.

18) How do you stay motivated?
Motivation is difficult when you play for a living just about every single week. Sometimes it’s hard get pumped up for a match. Often, if I’ve lost to the player before, I remember that bad feeling and want revenge! Sometimes, I get into some music on my iPod and that gets me going. Usually every tournament I find something different as motivation.

19) How do you stay in touch when you’re traveling?
The Internet makes it so easy to stay in touch with my friends and family. We talk all the time and I don’t really feel like we are that far apart.

20) Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years I hope to be retired with a husband and family. I see myself living in Moscow, traveling a lot and doing some work on the side in tennis or charity.

Anna Chakvetadze