That's a birthday cake!
Maria, who definitely has a sweet tooth, is starting to pull out candles from the enormous tennis court cake. I had her best friend take this photo for me. Merci beaucoup, Estelle!
I was always seeing media people asking athletes and other celebrities to take a photo with them (it would be a selfie today). I was always proudly above all that, and now am kicking myself. I was not, however, going to miss out on this shot. Maria's mom Yelena took it, she is the sweetest lady.