Marat Safin retires YES or NO complete interview

After losing in the 1st round in the last tournament of the year, Marat mentioned that he was thinking about what was in his future regarding tennis and this was picked up by the media and has spread a lot of speculation around the world.
In order to try and get a better idea of what Marat is thinking, we spoke to him before he left for his vacation.

Q: How do you feel right now?
A: I'm very tired. I guess after so many years on the tour, when you finish the season, you feel very tired and can't wait to get away and also I need it in order to take the right decision.

Q: Where do you plan to go?
A: I'm going this week to Miami and in a couple of weeks when I am back in Moscow, I will be wiser and more concrete about my plans.

Q: Can you please clear a little bit the confusion that is around about what you were talking about in the press conference after losing your 1st round match?
A: I actually said nothing in particular, I was just talking generally and I don't really know where all these rumours came from. All I said was that I am tired and I need some time off in order to make some good decisions.

Q: You can understand how your many fans are feeling these days. Can you clarify more about the various options and your wishes?
A: I have been playing professional tennis for over a decade. Its hard for me to find new goals for my career however the love for the game and the passion inside me are still very strong and that is why it makes it more difficult. There are still places where I would like to play, to be able to meet my fans and say goodbye properly to the many people who have followed me through out these last years.
I'm considering to play for one more year. I am also considering maybe to stop completely and then another option is to particularly play mostly in the places and tournaments which I really like and that had a tremendous impact on my career. That's why I need some time off to think it through properly, to talk to my my long time partners and sponsors and then I'll be able to hopefully make a better decision.

Q: We wish you a great vacation and there is no need to mention how much all of us would like to see you on the court playing your great tennis.
A: Thank you so much. This is all part of my consideration.
I ask you all not to listen to the rumors flying around and I promise to all my fans that they will hear from me directly once I make up my mind.
I wish you all happy vacations.

Marat Safin announces Retiring from tennis!

Marat Safin, one of the most colorful figures in tennis, said on Monday he was considering his future in the game after his first round loss at the Paris Masters Series.

Marat Safin has confirmed he is considering retiring from tennis after his season ended in the first round of the Paris Masters.

Former world number one Safin stumbled out of the final Masters Series event when he lost 6-0 7-6 (7-4) against Argentine qualifier Juan Monaco in the first round on Monday.

And the 28-year-old Russian told reporters he needs to think over his future in the sport after criticising the lack of time off available to players.

"I need to enjoy my life without tennis, I will see if I continue," Safin said.

"I need to think it through. I will see, it was too intense these last three years. We will see. I have no pressure, nothing to show, nothing to prove.

"If I feel like I want to continue to play I will - if not it will be over."

The Russian, who won the Paris indoor tournament three times, picked up his game too late to unsettle Monaco, who will next meet French 16th seed Gael Monfils.

Safin lost the first eight games and notably served four double faults in a single game as Monaco was cantering through the match.

The former U.S. and Australian Open champion got himself together when 2-0 down in the second set, and double faults turned into aces.

Safin broke back for 2-2 and both players then held serve until the tiebreak, which Monaco took 7-4 when Safin sent a forehand long.

"I had my opportunities but unfortunately it was a bit too late already because the guy started to play well and started to feel much more comfortable on the court," said Safin.

"I just don't know what happened. I just couldn't find my rhythm. I didn't take my chances," the two-time Grand Slam winner added.

"I didn't take my chances, that's why the score is 6-0 7-6."

Safin will not improve his position in the rankings and it is no secret he does not feel comfortable with the situation.

"It's a little bit uncomfortable to find yourself in the top 10 for many years and (then) to find yourself ranked 70th and 30 and 50 and outside of the hundreds," he said.

"It's not really a comfortable position.

"I've been struggling throughout my career with injuries, left and right," he added, referring to knee injuries that hampered his 2005 and 2006 seasons.

Although he does not yet know whether he will play professional tennis next year, Safin already knows where he will spend his holidays.

"Yeah, I'm already flying to Miami," he said.

Paris Masters last stop before Shanghai

This week's Paris Masters will complete the jigsaw of who lands the final three berths for the season-ending Tennis Masters Shanghai.

World No.1 Rafael Nadal and the man he displaced, Roger Federer, have already booked their tickets for China and Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Nikolai Davydenko are also guaranteed places.

But the remaining slots are up for grabs, ensuring a denouement in the City of Light.

A group of players, led by American Andy Roddick, are pressing for those final positions though French world No.12 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga saw his hopes take a dive on Saturday in losing the Lyon semi-final to compatriot Julien Benneteau.

Another Frenchman, Gilles Simon, is also sweating having gone into the weekend in eighth slot only to bow out in Lyon to Swede Robin Soderling.

Simon would have caught up Roddick and would also have leapfrogged Basel losing semi-finalist Juan Martin del Potro had he won in Lyon but now his hopes of a Chinese sojourn hang in the balance.

One man who says he prefers to concentrate on the Davis Cup final rather than head for Shanghai is Argentine star David Nalbandian, who wants to help push his country over the line for the first time in their history against Spain in Mar del Plata.

Nalbandian has a busy schedule as it is, having reached the Basel final where he was Sunday out for a second Swiss title and going toe to toe with Federer, who was on a hat-trick of triumphs in his homeland.

At the Davis Cup final, to be played in Mar del Plata in four weeks' time, the 26-year-old will at least be able to cease hostilities with teammate Del Potro, whom he despatched 6-4 6-4 in Basel on Saturday.

Del Potro has enjoyed a sensational season to date, but Saturday's reverse means he requires a solid showing in Paris as he has not just Simon but also David Ferrer and James Blake breathing down his neck.

As the winner of four straight titles over the summer admitted in Basel: "I'm tired, both mentally and physically.

"It has been tough for me. I really want to make the Masters Cup and win the Davis Cup."

Murray will hope to show that his run of success this season will continue in Paris and erase disappointing memories of his last visit - a third-round French Open loss to Spaniard Nicolas Amalgro.

Murray, who kicked on from his Madrid Masters victory with another fine run in St Petersburg, admitted post-Madrid that he was a long way behind the top three. But with his season finale assured he can enjoy Paris and then focus on a Chinese coronation.

With the Davis Cup and Shanghai attracting the focus of so many of the top stars at this time of year, Paris has struggled on occasion to attract a gold-plated field, which is a source of concern to the hosts, not least with Davydenko an injury doubt.

Safin upset, Murray advances in St. Petersburg

Defending champion Andy Murray beat Ernests Gulbis 6-4, 6-2 Thursday to advance to the quarterfinals of the St. Petersburg Open, while eighth-seeded Marat Safin was upset in the second round.

Andrey Golubev of Kazakhstan beat Safin 6-4, 6-2 to advance to his first career quarterfinal.

Safin, the 31st-ranked Russian who has twice won the tournament, had trouble on his serve, winning only 15 of 51 returned points.

The 150th-ranked Golubev, who reached the second round of the U.S. Open in September, broke Safin in the fifth game of the first set but double-faulted three times in the next game to drop serve and stay level at 3-3.

In the ninth game, Safin saved three break points with aces but was broken on the third deuce, and Golubev served for the set.

"The second break in the first set was a decisive one," Safin said. "He became confident and it was much more difficult to play against him. In fact, I didn't have many chances in the second set."

Golubev won five consecutive games for a 5-1 lead in the second set.

"I knew he would be playing his best tennis today," Safin said. "He had nothing to lose and played with no problems. No matter how I tried, it was his day today."

The big Russian, who won here in 2000 and 2001, was outhit and outplayed by the 150th-ranked Golubev.

The slightly-built Kazakh, who has played mainly on a Challenger circuit and has won only three ATP matches in his career until this week, also fired more aces, seven to Safin's five.

"He (Golubev) totally deserved his victory," Safin told reporters. "He served better than me, was more consistent from the baseline and made less mistakes."

Golubev, born in Russia before switching his alliance to Kazakhstan, said: "Marat was my hero when I was growing up. It was my dream to play him and I couldn't even imagine beating him."

Later today, Marat Safin and Igor Kunitsyn were beaten by R. Bopanna and M. Mirnyi in the doubles.

Marat safin dominates st. Petersburg court

Marat safin won his first round in St. Petersburg in singles and doubles with Igor kunitsyn.

Marat beat sykhofsky 6 - 2, 6-4 in straight sets today on center court.

Marat safin new girlfriend! exclusive!

Exclusive pictures of Marat safin girlfriend, Nastya Osipova, on court











Marat Safin with both of the girlfriends!

Marat safin new girlfriend! exclusive!

Exclusive on maratsafinnews.blogspot.com the pictures of marat's new girlfriend.

Marat Safin is famous for both his tennis and dating skills. His new girlfriend is Nastya Osipova, a Russian pop singer.

Marat Safin pictures in Kremlin cup final 2008

Marat Safin pictures.
Kremlin cup 2008 final

Marat Safin of Russia looks on in his match against Igor Kunitsyn of Russia in the final during day seven of the Kremlin Cup Tennis at the Olympic Stadium on October 12, 2008 in Moscow, Russia.

Marat safin taking a fall in action in his kremlin cup final match against Igor Kunitsyn

Marat Safin of Russia reacts during final match against Igor Kunitsyn of Russia of the XIX International Tennis Tournament Kremlin Cup 2008 on October 12, 2008 in Moscow, Russia.

A frustrated Marat Safin of Russia in his match against Igor Kunitsyn of Russia in the final during day seven of the Kremlin Cup Tennis at the Olympic Stadium on October 12, 2008 in Moscow, Russia.

Marat Safin of Russia waiting for the ceremony after losing to Igor Kunitsyn of Russia in the final during day seven of the Kremlin Cup Tennis at the Olympic Stadium on October 12, 2008 in Moscow, Russia.

Marat Safin of Russia makes a speech after losing to Igor Kunitsyn of Russia in the final during day seven of the Kremlin Cup Tennis at the Olympic Stadium on October 12, 2008 in Moscow, Russia

Igor Kunitsyn (R) of Russia with the winners trophy with Marat Safin of Russia after the final during day seven of the Kremlin Cup Tennis at the Olympic Stadium on October 12, 2008 in Moscow, Russia.

Cheers for the Runner up Marat Safin

Safin, seeded seventh and bidding to claim his first title in almost four years, reached the final without hitting a ball when his semi-final opponent, German Mischa Zverev, withdrew with illness on Saturday.

The big Russian has not tasted success since winning the Australian Open in January 2005.

''I have only myself to blame,'' said Safin, who also lost to compatriot Nikolay Davydenko in the 2006 final in Moscow.

''If I had won the first set, it would have been a different story but he gained confidence as the match went on, played well in the end and deserved his victory.''

Marat Safin became the runner up of the Kremlin cup today!
Congratulations to the Finalist our beloved Marat Safin.

Safin was beaten by Kunitsyn 6 -7, 7-6, 3-6 in kremlin cup Final.

Reaching a final match is a goal achieved for Marat Safin after 3 disappointing years.

Keep it up:)

Hot Russian Girls Pop group "Blestyaschie" celebrating the final

Marat Safin's prefinal press conference

After the unexpected withdrawal of Misha Zverev, Marat Safin said he’s glad that he could save up energy before the finals and wished Misha success in the future.

- Marat, is it better for you or not?
- Of course, it’s better. I can save up my energy. I’d rather not play.
- When did you find out that the match is canceled?
- About three hours ago. But I didn’t relax immediately after this news. Throughout my career there were cases when my opponents were to retire but then they announced they would play and I was no longer ready for it. As a rule, I lost in such cases.
- Yesterday Nikolay Davydenko said that such a late start of the match bothered him. What about you?
- No, not really. I wasn’t falling asleep on the court.
- Who of the remaining two semifinalists would you like to play in the finals?
- If a player reached the finals he’s in a good shape. So, it makes no difference for me. We have a long history with Santoro, while Kunitsyn is playing good tennis now. So, it will be difficult anyway.
- Did you watch Dinara’s match? Why do you think she lost?
- She’s been playing better than anyone for 5 months. It’s been a long year. So she is tired.
- Yesterday Davydenko said that you are play “in waves”, sometimes losing concentration.
- How did you manage to stay focused yesterday?
- When you play a top 10 player, you need to stay focused all match long. Because they play very good consistent tennis all year long. Yesterday I realized that I have to be aggressive and attack a lot. It was useless to rally with him from the base line.
- What about today’s soccer match Russia vs Germany? Are you going to watch it?
- Sure! I will root for our team.
- How will you spend your free time tonight? Are you planning to have a good sleep on the eve the finals?
- It is 5.15 AM now, I got up at 12.00 AM today, so it’s a long way before I go to bed. I have stuff to keep me busy.

SAFIN TO FACE KUNITSYN IN FINAL OF KREMLIN CUP

Marat Safin and Igor Kunitsyn will meet for the title at the Kremlin Cup on Sunday after both Russians posted semifinal wins on Saturday.

The seventh-seeded Safin was a walkover winner against Moscow-born German Mischa Zverev, who was unable to play because of an illness, while Kunitsyn notched a 6-4, 6-3 triumph over France's Fabrice Santoro.

Safin, who beat fellow Russian and two-time defending Moscow champion Nikolay Davydenko in the quarterfinals on Friday, will play in the final of this event for the second time in three years. He lost to Davydenko in 2006.

The former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion hasn't won a tournament since capturing the last of his 15 titles at the 2005 Australian OpenHe was a surprise semifinalist this year at Wimbledon and is currently ranked 40th.

Kunitsyn, ranked 71st, will play in ATP final for the first time in his career. The 27-year-old native of Vladivostok twice was a semifinalist earlier this year and previously reached the semis of this event in 2005 and 2006.

Safin is 3-0 lifetime against Kunitsyn, including a 6-4, 6-3 triumph in the semifinals of this event two years ago.

The 2008 Moscow champ will collect a first prize of $171,000.

Marat Safin reached the final of Kremlin cup, Moscow

Safin's first Final of the year is finally here:)

Marat safin reached the final of The Kremlin cup in his homeland.

11.10.2008 Misha Zverev retired from the semifinals of the “Kremlin Cup”-2008

The semifinalist Misha Zverev retired from the tournament for health problems!

Therefore Marat Safin walks over to the final and awaits the winner of Fabrice Santoro and Igor Kunitsyn.

Marat Safin autograph session on 11.10.2008

Marat Safin is in the semifinals of the “Kremlin Cup”-2008

Marat Safin won Nikolay Davydenko! Oh my God!

The upset of the defending champion of kremlin cup was today by the hands of the giant Marat Safin.

Marat Safin beat Nikolay Davydenko 7/6, 4/6, 6/4 reaching the semifinals of the “Kremlin Cup”-2008. He will play Igor Kunitsyn who beat Jeremy Chardy 6/4, 6/2 in the quarterfinals of the “Kremlin Cup”-2008.

Marat didn't win a consecutive 3 matches since wimbledon 2008. This is huge for the former no. 1.

Marat Safin at Player`s party in "Shokolad" club

Watch the match summary video here

Marat Safin of Russia signs autographs after defeating Nikolay Davydenko of Russia during day five of the Kremlin Cup Tennis at the Olympic Stadium on October 10, 2008 in Moscow, Russia.

Also Today october 10th, Dinara Safina beat her compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova 6/4, 7/5 in the quarterfinal of the “Kremlin Cup”-2008. “I managed to play well against Sveta,- said the winner after the match. – I tried to think on the court placing the ball smartly”.
Thus all the participants of tomorrow’s semifinals have become known: Jelena Jankovic will play Elena Dementieva, Dinara Safina – Vera Dushevina.

A bizarre end to Marat's First Round in Moscow!

The match had a bizarre end when Safin broke Okun to take the match 6-4 in the third.
However, Safin mistakenly thought it was 6-5, and a change over.
So after securing the break, the Russian went to his chair and began to towel off.
Eventually chair umpire Carlos Bernardes leaned over and informed Safin the match was over.
The somewhat embarrassed Safin quickly went to the net and shared a laugh with Okun while they shook hands.

Safin Clinches 400th Win

Former ATP World No. 1 Marat Safin claimed his 400th career win Tuesday at his hometown event, the ATP Kremlin Cup in Moscow. Safin, 28, converted just two of 10 break point opportunities against Israeli Noam Okun, but it was enough to earn a 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-4 win in 2 hr., 5 min.

Safin has not won an ATP title since claiming a second Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open in January 2005. He last reached a final two years ago, here at the Kremlin Cup. Safin failed to win consecutive matches through the first four months of the season but turned things around at Wimbledon, where he reached the semifinals (lost to Federer).

Safin begins quest for 500

2008 has been a typically enigmatic season for Safin, highlighted by commanding wins over the likes of Novak Djokovic, Stanislas Wawrinka and Tomas Berdych, and that run to the Wimbledon semis, but also frittered with losses to the likes of Bobby Reynolds and Phillip Petzschner (in Bangkok last week).

Marat safin a devoted supporter of kremlin cup!

Now with his win over Davydenko too, Safin on the run for his quest for 500!

Marat safin advances to Quarter Final

Marat Safin in action playing Julienne Benneteu in kremlin cup, Moscow

The Russian made it today!

Marat Safin won Julienne Benneteau 6-4, 0-6, 6-2 in second round of the Kremlin Cup.

congratulations on the consecutive match win Marat!

Marat is to play Nikolay Davydenko in quarter final.
Nikolay Davydenko has truly established himself in the record books at this tournament. He's the two-time defending champion and going for a fourth crown in the Russian capital.

He's been looking like a potential champion again this week, sweeping aside Florent Serra and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez without dropping a set. Garcia-Lopez was allowed just two games.

Safin, in contrast, has been pushed all the way by Noam Okun and Julien Benneteau. Safin's round-one match with Okun was so tight that Safin himself lost track of the score and didn't realize he'd won when the moment came! On Thursday he had to fight back from a mental lapse in the second set which saw him get bageled 6-0.

Marat safin won Noam Okun

Marat Safin upset the qualifier Noam Okun of Israel in the first roud of the Kremlin Cup in Moscow.

Safin won 7.6(5) 3.6 6.4.

Marat Safin is playing Julien Benneteau the Frenchman in second round.

Link to match statistics
Link to the Draw

Kremlin cup 2008 (Кубок Кремля)

Kremlin Cup

Moscow, Russia, Olympic Stadium
October 6-12, 2008
Tier I
Prize Money: $1,340,000
Draw: 28M/32Q/16D
Surface: Supreme/Indoors
Tournament Director: Aleksei Selivanenko

Marat plays Okun Noam a qualifier in first round on Tuesday October 7th.
Marat Safin is seeded n. 7 in the tournament.

Marat Safin was the runner up in 2006. he lost to Nikolay Davydenko.
Marat won the doubles title last year 2007 with Dmitry Tursunov.

Link to website in English
Link to website in Russian