I’m usually up by 7, and before anything else I like to go into the living room and do some basic breathing exercises and stretches. It wakes my body up. Then for breakfast it’s a bowl of porridge with maybe raisins, figs and nuts, and a green tea.

My whole day is geared around training, so once I’ve washed I’ll stick on a pair of shorts, a T-shirt, and something warm on top. I’ll also put on plenty of moisturiser and sunblock, particularly at this time of the year, because most days I’m outside.

I live in the centre of Moscow, maybe a five-minute drive from Red Square. And I train at a huge sports complex which has the biggest tennis club in Russia, and probably one of the biggest in Europe.

It’s a massive place, catering for all sorts of sports, like ice hockey, volleyball, football and basketball, and is actually used by the Russian army. I’ve got a BMW and, although it’s not far away, it can take an hour to get there — the morning traffic is absolutely crazy. I hate it, so Mum often takes me. She and Dad live in an apartment block right next to mine, which is great, so we usually meet in the garage.

When I get to the club I’ll do another warm-up before starting what’s usually a two-hour session devoted to technique. I’ll work with a coach on, say, my footwork or a particular shot, or my serve and volley. Even after playing for 20 years I’m still learning new skills, still pushing my body in new ways. Of course, tennis is also mentally demanding, because it’s all about how to stay focused, how to respond to pressure, how to deal with things like losing. So even when I’ve had the most terrible experience in a game, I like to try and take away something positive from it. You learn a lot about yourself.

At about 1, I stop for lunch. It’s a two-hour break, so it really gives me a chance to rest. Ideally, I like to go back home, because I prefer to cook my own food. I eat a lot of chicken for protein, which I steam or bake in the oven, and pasta, which I’ll have with plenty of mixed salad. Obviously I drink a lot of Evian water and sports drinks during the course of a day to keep me hydrated. Then, if I’ve got any time left, I’ll watch a bit of TV. There are a lot of lunchtime talk shows in Russia, and one of my favourites is Getting Married. It’s about people meeting each other.

Then it’s back to training, and most afternoons are taken up with playing matches, either with another player or a hitting partner.

I love the competitive side to the game. I’m never satisfied with a result. I always want to go back for more, to go to the next level. It’s what motivates me. I’ve always been like that. I was 7 when I first started. My parents used to play. Mum, in particular, was crazy about tennis, although she never played professionally herself.

Then, when she realised I had potential, she devoted her time to me. She made big sacrifices, and I think over the years that’s also made me want to do well.

I remember when I won my first professional tournament, it was Mum I was happiest for.

I suppose all the good things that have happened in my life have been because of tennis, not least when I won a gold medal at the Olympics last year. I was very proud for my family, for my country. And I’m looking forward to playing at Wimbledon this year — last year I got as far as the semifinals.

Of course, when you’re competing in tournaments around the world, it’s important to get used to playing games at different times of the day, because one day you might be in an early game, and another you might be in a really late game. So the time I finish practice varies — sometimes it’s 7 or 8, other times it’s 9 or 10.

If I’ve had a good day, I’ll go home and cook something nice, like grilled beef with steamed wild rice and vegetables. I buy most of my stuff at an organic food store, because eating healthily is part of my lifestyle, part of looking after my body, which in turn is part of my success. I remember, when I was at the Olympics, the most popular eating place for athletes was McDonald’s. I was surprised; it wouldn’t be my choice. Back in Moscow there are great places to eat, and if I’m going out for the evening it’s a chance for me to dress up. I have several designer favourites, like Stella McCartney. Then I love Jimmy Choo shoes and Balenciaga bags. I confess I’ve got quite a few of both of them.

Sometimes I find the best way to unwind in the evening is to go for a walk. But luckily, even if I’m in the middle of a big tournament, like now, I sleep well. I guess I just like to go to sleep feeling positive, feeling I’ve achieved all I can for one day. What I do know is that you have to really believe in yourself, believe in what you’re capable of. So maybe tonight, who knows, I’ll dream about being No 1