Not sure this is the right thread, but hopefully it is. This is a recent interview with Dinara and Marat's mum from championat.ru that Natasha from the OS forum translated - thanks, Natasha!
Q: Raisa, congratulations on a double trophy, because not only you got a trophy of the best tennis coach of Russia 2008, but Dinara got one too. What are you feeling right now?
A: Joy & pride, because my hard work, my attention & my love were not wasted. All parents are trying to give their children the best, but sometimes results don’t come. Thank god, my children achieved a lot.
Q: What did Dinara feel when she was congratulated?
A: She said the right words, that her mom & dad were with her. There many moments when she couldn’t do what she was capable of. But I always told her – patience..And now, I tell her: Dinara, you became #3 in a world, it will be harder. Be patient, you have a lot of work ahead. If you have patience, you will achieve more, if not – that’s it. And, discipline is very important. It can’t be any other way..
Q: You children, Marat & Dinara – are very sincere people. Does that hurt them in such a tough sport as tennis?
A: No, they, like the rest of our family, don’t like fake. In our house we are always honest & sincere. I don’t like fake people or fake things. Sometimes, my children want more attention, more pretty words..But I call things as I see them..
Q: Dinara has been through a lot to reach the top. Why do you think it happened this season?
A: There were a lot of coaches that put her down. She is our child, and we always supported her. Each player is an individual, and I tried to bring her best qualities. Some coaches “destroyed” her, and she could not deal with that. Now she has a coach that understands her & who showed her what she can do, that she is a Player
Q: Did you ever want to interfere when you child was not treated right, and show that you know better what to do & how to do it?
A: Of course, I helped both Marat & Dinara as a coach, but sometimes, I wanted to be their mom. That’s why those tears, and heads down…Only a parent can feel that, not a coach. In those moments, it was important to be a support for them. When they understood, I was showing my coaching skills.
Q: Your children often say that they congratulate each other one their victories, support each other. Are they really that close & worry so much about each other?
A: It runs in a family. I fight for my children like a hawk, and they do the same for each other. They have their own love for each other, and understanding…Their love - is probably mine & my husband’s love for each other. Their love means a lot.
Q: Many fans of your son can’t wait to see “old” Marat on court..
A: You know, it’s hard to get back that “old” level of play. Like everyone says, he has a talent, but he needs motivation. He doesn’t have motivation. He wants something else, to do something in another area. Maybe, like his dad – businessman. He has done everything for tennis. Now it’s hard to show something in tennis at his age. And he, probably, open the road for Dinara. She was a bit in his shadow. Now he moved a little, and gave a chance for her talent to open up.
Q: Is working with Gumy helping Marat?
A: Gumy is a very good psychologist. He understands that a player is hard to handle (deal with) at that age.
I don’t know, maybe it will work out in a future. But, it’s hard for Marat & it is harder for me – that if he stops playing…I understand that it is hard for him to show good results, and be somewhere in a back (meaning ranking) is hard for him as well. Also, because he is always asked questions about Dinara. He, probably, doesn’t take it very well, and it is better for him to find himself in another area, and open the way for Dinara. And, he will be a great adviser & help for her.
Q: Many people say that Marat is a team player, and say that he plays well in doubles. Maybe he should continue playing as a double player?
A: No, it’s not for him, he is not a double player, he was just helping. Yes, he played well, but he’s got enough talent to open himself up in another area. I used to tell him: “Tennis is a jump board for your flight”. Maybe in another area he can show something.
Q: Looking back, do you think Marat had a good career?
A: Who was thinking about that at 12 when I sent him to Spain…And who was thinking about that at 13 & 14?
Nobody. So, now I think that he achieved the maximum he could. Let others prove the rest, if they think it is not enough for Marat…
maratsafin.freeforums.org/interviews-articles-about-marat-t28-360.html#9789I personally really liked her interview - so sincere and heartfelt...
, and thought the article was too cute to not post: 
... he's been charmed by his fans to do that one more year and retire at 30 (hey ... does that mean at least two more AOs? Kiddin' Big Yin - no doubt you want to go out at the end of the season ... but can we do it on a real high ie Wimbles under yer belt at least?)