Feisty Russian Anastasia Myskina revealed a softer side at rain-hit Wimbledon on Wednesday.
The newly-crowned French Open champion was once famed for her on-court outbursts directed at coach and former boyfriend Jens Gerlach.
But the Wimbledon second seed, whose second round match against Hungarian Aniko Kapros on Wednesday was postponed due to rain, told reporters her social conscience was at least as strong as her competitive instincts.
"Right now back at home I try to help kids with money, clothes and food (in Moscow)," the 22-year-old said.
"I do what I can ... for the homeless, the kids without parents. We help with money to improve their lives because they are really poor kids."
On the court, though, it is a different story.
"You have to fight. You're different. It's a different world. You don't want to be a loser," she said.
"One thing follows another. If I win, I can help people because then they know my name."
Myskina has been adjusting to life as the newest member of the Grand Slam champions' club since her success in Paris on June 5, when she thrashed compatriot Elena Dementieva at Roland Garros.
"I have to think twice before I say something because it's going to be in the papers," she said. "But I am a quiet girl. I try to spend a lot of time with my family, not in night clubs."
The raven-haired Russian also proudly showed reporters one of the magazine covers she has graced since that win, saying: "It's good but how can you forget you are a tennis player? Playing comes first, then everything else."
Myskina reached the fourth round last year and is probably the biggest non-American threat to ending the Wimbledon dominance of Williams sisters Serena and Venus, who have won the last four finals between them.
She is remaining circumspect about her chances for now.
"I'm feeling great and really confident now," she said. "My goal is to play my best. The quarter-finals or semi-finals would be great."
