Tatiana Golovin was photographed by Walter Iooss Jr. in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Luli Fama.

Interview with Tatiana Golovin

What was your reaction to getting into the Swimsuit Issue?

I was very surprised and excited because it was unexpected. It's a really big honor and I'm happy I got to do it. It's a once in a lifetime experience because you have some of the most beautiful women in the world doing it.

You're a professional athlete. Do you think modeling is hard?

Of course it's difficult and very different from tennis. Because I don't do it all the time, I got to enjoy it. It's tough to wake up at 4 a.m. to get hair and makeup done. But mixing it up is fun. It was fun to be out in the sun in a swimsuit, but there's a lot of tough stuff, too.

At what point in your athletic career do you know you've made it?

Winning my first tournament was my biggest accomplishment. Also, I was in the top 20 when I was 16. Once you've accomplished goals you've set for yourself, you realize you've made it as a top player.

Happiness is...

Health. When you don't have the people you love around you it's tough. If you're not healthy, it's hard to be happy.

If you could change one thing in the past year, what would it be?

I don't have any regrets. I've been injured for most of the year and it's been a tough year, but you grow from it and learn. You face obstacles in life, and after them, I'm able to move on, and make the right decisions in the future. I don't believe in regret. You learn and become a better person.

What makes you feel sexy?

When you're doing something you're good at.

Who's your dream guy?

I think I found one. I've been dating my boyfriend for a year. [Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri].

Do real guys have a shot?

Not right now, because I have a boyfriend, but you never know.

If you had to play matchmaker for a day, what celebrities would you pair up?

I'm not at all into the whole gossip thing and celebrities. I rarely read all that.

Every girl has her dating checklist. What are your top three deal breakers when dating?

Arrogance, for sure. If he only talks about himself, that doesn't work. Also, if he ends up getting drunk at the end of the night, that's no good.

What is your most memorable first?

I'm an auntie and a godmother. When I became a godmother, that was a very memorable first. My family is very important to me, and that was very, very special.

People have said I look like...

People say I look like my sister, and we have the same voice. No one can ever recognize us on the phone. Even my mom has to ask who she's talking to.

The world's hottest athlete is...

That's my sweetheart.