SportsLine.com recently spoke with Nadia from the estyle.com Classic in Manhattan Beach, Calif. Here is what she had to say:

SportsLine: You've had excellent results this year on all surfaces. Which do you prefer and why?

Nadia Petrova: Hard courts -- I am an aggressive player and it's much easier for me when I have a chance to finish points earlier.

SportsLine: Which players would you compare yourself to in terms of your style and attitude?

Nadia Petrova: I compare my game to (Jennifer) Capriati because we both have a very aggressive nature on the court.

SportsLine: Have any of the veteran players on tour helped you out with your game or helped you adjust to life on tour?

Nadia Petrova: Competing with the other Russian players has helped elevate my game.

SportsLine: What do you think you need to do to take your game to the next level and possibly become a top-10 player?

Nadia Petrova: Beating one of the top-five players helps you gain confidence and assures you that you can beat anyone in the Top 10. I would also say winning a Tier II tournament.

SportsLine: Why do you think there are so many young Russians succeeding in tennis right now?

Nadia Petrova: We always played very well in juniors and went on Tour together. I think the competition helped because when you're by yourself it's more difficult.

SportsLine: What are your goals for the remainder of the year?

Nadia Petrova: To reach the Top 20. I would also like to get to the semifinals at the U.S. Open.

SportsLine: What has been your high point on tour so far?

Nadia Petrova: Beating Iva Majoli at the Kremlin Cup in Moscow at age 16.

SportsLine: What are the most significant adjustments you've made, mentally and physically, since you jumped from the Juniors?

Nadia Petrova: I have made my game more consistent and learned to control my emotions. I also improved physically to play with more power and speed.

SportsLine: What is the strongest part of your game at this point and what do you need to improve upon the most?

Nadia Petrova: I am an aggressive player so I need to work on coming to the net more and finishing more points at the net.

SportsLine: What do you enjoy most about being a tennis player?

Nadia Petrova: I love to compete. I also enjoy traveling and making new friends. Tennis also helps you learn to survive in life.

SportsLine: Are there any players that you still look up to? Who?

Nadia Petrova: Martina Hingis -- she can play all the shots, reads the court very well and is able to mix up her game. That's the real reason she has stayed No. 1.

SportsLine: What do you do when you find yourself getting discouraged on the court?

Nadia Petrova: I like my emotions to come out a bit, so I may bang my racket or shout something to myself, and then I'm back in the game.

SportsLine: What are your biggest career goals?

Nadia Petrova: To win a grand slam. It's a part of history and everyone will remember you. If you only win Tour titles, even if you're in the Top 10, people may forget about you. But Grand Slam champions always stay in people's minds. It's like a piece of history.

SportsLine: Are there still players or situations that intimidate you for any reason?

Nadia Petrova: You get a bit tight when playing Top-10 players. I remember when I first played Iva Majoli, I was very nervous. But the more matches you play, the easier it is and you start finding the ways to beat them.

SportsLine: What were some of the difficult childhood sacrifices you had to make because of the demands of training and travel?

Nadia Petrova: It is very difficult to have a normal life. You don't have many friends because you travel from place to place and you can't go out and have fun with your friends.

SportsLine: What would you like to pursue after you retire?

Nadia Petrova: I would like to open my own business and have a big family.

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