Marat Safin
Marat Safin
Marat Mubinovich Safinis a Russian retired tennis player and politician. Safin won two Grand Slam tournaments and reached the world no. 1 ranking during his career. He was also famous for his emotional outbursts and sometimes fiery temper on court. Safin is the older brother of former world No. 1 WTA player, Dinara Safina. They are the first and only brother–sister tandem in tennis history who have both achieved no. 1 rankings...
NationalityRussian
ProfessionTennis Player
Date of Birth27 January 1980
CityMoscow, Russia
CountryRussian Federation
We have known each other since we were nine years old and we have played together in Russia, ... We played in the Under-16 European championships and he beat me in the quarterfinals. He's one of my best friends and I really like him. It will be nice to play him and hopefully get revenge.
I've played him many times, six times, but the way he is playing this year, with confidence, to beat him will be very tough. A little bit of luck would be great.
I didn't practice for one month and a half and I played three matches in a row and today I felt really, really tired on the court. I couldn't move properly and I couldn't find my game. My timing was not there. So it's really difficult to play against any player.
He played really well and his game caught me off guard a bit. But I was expecting him to give me a tough match because the French always raise their game when they're playing at home in Davis Cup.
The first set was a bit tough because I hadn't played a match for six months. You are unable to decide where you have to move, when you have to go to the net, whether to put pressure or stay back. I was a bit lost and tense because I knew that I had a chance.
But it was still a great match. I don't know the last time I played such great tennis. It was probably my best match ever on grass.
I think it will be okay, ... I hope the doctor will help me out because it's quite sore. We'll see.
Unfortunately, my career, it's a little roller-coaster, ... So I need to get used to it. That's how I am.
I don't understand what Ferrero was complaining about,
But, despite all that, I have a lot more good memories than bad of being here and I would love to come back next year.
I'm ambitious. I better start climbing back up there, because otherwise I will not get into tournaments. People will not take me as serious. It's very important to show everybody I still know how to play tennis and I'm still fighting.
I have been working very hard and my knee is a lot better but it would not be right to go to a Grand Slam and test my knee right now. I am sorry to all my Australian fans but I will be back next year.
I fought until the last point and that's something I'm satisfied with. My game was not 100 percent when I needed it to be. It's tough but life goes on.
I am happy. I mean, playing Fabrice is not so nice for me... he was leading 7-1 in matches we'd played, so I am happy to be back and to win.