The 29-year-odl Russian tennis player – who is ranked 13th in the world – has insisted he is extremely mild mannered off the court, despite being known for his blow-ups during tennis matches.

He told BBC Sport: "Off the court it is rare there is a situation where my adrenaline goes through the roof.

"When I'm on the court I hate to lose; I love to win. My first goal is to win the match, so it brings a lot of adrenaline out and it brings all the energy out.

"Sometimes it is a good energy. Sometimes it is a bad one.

"When I'm talking to you, I have no adrenaline in a good way - we're not competing for something. That's why I'm pretty different in life to on court.

"I always say it's like when you're driving on the road - when people honk on the road that's my outburst on the court.

"I cannot honk on the court, but if I could I would do it and never scream or something like that.

"Tell me how many people honk on the road. About 99 per cent."

And Daniil insisted he is completely different with friends and family.

He said: "I think my friends would describe me as a fun person to hang around and talk to.

"They can discuss serious things with me too. I'm an all-round person and I think all-round people have charisma.

"I just try to be myself. If some people find me interesting, I'm happy.

"Some people might think I'm boring, and that's OK. I don't have to be funny - it's not an obligation.

"Being myself is the easiest way to be because if you try to act - or over-act - people will see through it and you will lose yourself."