Yaroslava Shvedova is professional tennis player, representing Russia and Kazakhstan during her career. The winner of two Grand Slam tournaments in doubles (Wimbledon, US Open-2010); the finalist of the four Grand Slam tournaments (three in doubles and one in mixed doubles); the former number four at world ranking in doubles; winner of 15 WTA tournaments (two in singles).
BTRussia: How did you try to play beach tennis?
Yaroslava: I see this sport is growing, and I hope that every year it becomes more popular, and more people will play and have fun. I loved it, and I hope that others will like it too. When we played on training against the bt lovers, it was obvious they were inspired and encouraged, and it was a pleasure to play for everybody.
BTRussia: Have you heard about this sport earlier?
Yaroslava: First time I heard about beach tennis in Italy in 2010 or in 2011. We were at the WTA tournament in Rome, and at this time there were the world championships of beach tennis, and during the breaks we went to look at the game, and even tried to play a bit. I was impressed the games are held in the sun and on the sand. Of course it was difficult the first time, but left good feelings.
BTRussia: Are you ready to participate in the World Team Beach Tennis Championships on 11-17 of July in Moscow?
Yaroslava: I don’t think I am ready to play World Team Championships, because I tried this sport quite recently - with Natalia Timofeeva in Hua Hin. And I have tough schedule with my tournaments in tennis, I play singles and doubles, and so into tennis. But once again, I like beach tennis, and I even spoke with the Tennis Federation of Kazakhstan. Maybe in the future they will also begin to develop this area, and I'm happy to support it.
BTRussia: Could you recommend a beach tennis to professional tennis players for endurance training or maybe some other skills?
Yaroslava: It is difficult to answer the question about recommendations to professionals, as there are serious differences – the equipment, rackets, balls... Yeah, work on the sand – is download feet, train endurance and speed of response, but it is difficult to transfer this to tennis, because it's a completely different sport. I think fans of beach tennis can play tennis and beach, but tennis players are usually don’t change the atmosphere training: even not recommended to play table tennis or badminton because of danger of losing playing technique.
BTRussia: How do you think, could you become a professional beach tennis player after finishing a professional career in tennis?
Yaroslava: I more consider it as entertainment for now, but I hope that I will find the time for training and playing beach tennis in the future. Perhaps after ending of career in tennis, I will try beach tennis as well.