Safin bids farewell to tennis in Paris

Marat Safin holds the key of the Bercy stadium, a farewell trophy to mark the end of his career, during BNP Masters indoor tennis tournament in Paris, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009. Safin ended his career with style with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 defeat by Juan Martin del Potro in the second round of the Paris Masters. The 29-year-old Safin, a two-time Grand Slam title winner, put on a great performance on center court Wednesday against the U.S. Open champion.

Marat Safin says goodbye to Tennis in Paris

After an amazing match with Del Potro, Marat Safin retires from tennis in his favorite tournament, Paris, Bercy.

The former champion has won this tournament 3 times before and he chose to end his career at that very same court he adored.

A great ceremony was prepared to honor our beloved Safin. Attending were great player of old times and also of the new generation who wanted to say goodbye in person.

Great words of admiration and respect were said about Marat from the big players like Federer, Nadal, Murray, Djokovic, Verdasco and many more.

see the video here: http://www.fft.fr/bnpparibasmasters/2009_en/?id=5528

goodbye Marat :)

Marat safin outcasts top seed Davydenko in Moscow

After dropping out first set 4 -6 to Davydenko, Marat Safin breaks back in the second set to end it 6 - 4 in his favor.

Safin prevailed with consistency in his game while Davydenko lost his focus and continued with unforced errors and double faults.

the match ended 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 for Safin and Marat eases his way into second round in Kremlin cup, Moscow.

Kremlin Cup: Davydenko and Safin will play each other in the 1st round

The main surprise of the men’s event is the match of top-seed Nikolay Davydenko vs the favourite of the Moscow fans Marat Safin.

Top-seed Vera Zvonareva will face the Romanian Olaru in the 1st round while 2nd seed Jelena Jankovic will play Yaroslava Shvedova from Kazakhstan. Other interesting match-ups include Agnieszka Radwanska (3) vs Maria Kirilenko and Flavia Pennetta (4) vs Agnes Szavay from Hungary.

Marat Safin advances to China Open Quarterfinals

After losing in Thailand from the second round, Marat decided to take a wild card into China open as a former champion in 2004.
Marat played perfectly solid against Fernando Gonzalez in the second round to capture a solid win against the chili.

Marat Safin advances to quarterfinals to meet no. 1 seed Rafa Nadal.

Exclusive Marat Safin's Pictures in Thailand Open

Day One:
28th of September
outside the impact arena 23:30

after winning his first double match Marat Safin signs autographs for his loyal fans. Exclusive footage from maratsafinnews.blogspot.com

click on the images to enlarge and download :)

Exclusive Marat Safin's Pictures in Thailand Open

Day one:
December 28th
Exclusive from the impact arena bangkok.
Marat Safin and Gilles Simon playing doubles and win first round.

click on the images to enlarge and download!

Marat Safin Clone!

Juan Martin Del Potro is the new Marat Safin.

The 20-year-old has just won the US open just like Marat once did at the same age. Del potro also won the top player of his time, Roger Federer. History tends to repeat itself as Marat won Sampras in 2000.

Big Serve, amazing performance, 2.02 meter height and a lovely smile, that's who Juan Martin is.

The Argentine just Capped an impressive 2009 with a 3-6 7-6 4-6 7-6 6-2 win over Roger Federer in New York.

Safin advances to LA quarterfinals

yesterday before his evening match on stadium court, Marat Safin joked with LA Tennis Open Tournament Staff at the players desk, answering phones and taking messages before edging out Robby Ginepri in three sets.

Today after losing the first set 2-6 to Ernest Gulbis he came back with 2 sets in his favor 6-3, 6-4 to win and advance to the quarterfinals.

He awaits the winner from Tommy Haas and Jesse Levine match.

Safin vs. Sampras, Safin Prevails again

Safin beat Sampras, 6-4, 3-6 (10-6) in the "Millennium Challenge," an exhibition match on the opening day of the Los Angeles Tennis Open at UCLA's Los Angeles Tennis Center on Monday.

It was a rematch of the 2000 U.S. Open final, where Safin beat Sampras, the L.A. Open tournament honoree, to earn the first of his two Grand Slam titles.

Pete Sampras can still serve more than 120 miles per hour and challenges calls as if they mattered, but in the end, as in 2000, Marat Safin prevailed.

"We're kind of looking backwards, and it's really a warm feeling when [you have] an achievement like beating Sampras in the final of U.S. Open," said Safin.

The Russian also won the doubles first round with Igor Kunitsyn agianst Marcus Baghdatis and Dudi Sela, 6-7, 6-2, 11-9.

Marat is scheduled to play Ginepri in the evening session on Tuesday 28th.

Marat Safin vs. Pete Sampras "Millennium Challenge"

Pete Sampras, the 14-time Grand Slam Champion who held the No. 1 ranking for a record 286 weeks, will return to the LA Tennis Center at UCLA this summer for the "Millennium Challenge".

Sampras, a two-time LA Tennis Open will take the court on opening night, July 27, for the "Millennium Challenge," a rematch of the 2000 US Open final against Russian Marat Safin. Safin claimed the first of his two career Grand Slam titles with that win over Sampras in New York, and holds a 4-3 edge over the American in professional matches. Safin won their last meeting, which came in the fourth round of the 2002 Australian Open.

In addition to this Monday night match against Sampras, Safin will play in the main draw of the LA Tennis Open. It will be the sixth appearance for the Russian in the tournament, having gone 6-5 with two quarterfinals in his previous efforts in LA. A former World No. 1, the 2000 US Open and 2005 Australian Open are among Safin's 15 career titles.

here's a link for an interview with Marat on July 22nd regarding this match

Marat Safin faces Nicolas Almagro in Bastad

Marat Safin Faces Nicolas Almagro Wednesday, July 15th in Catella Swedish open, Bastad.

Fernando Verdasco, Robin Soderling, Tommy Robredo and Jurgen Melzer are the top four seeds in the impressive main draw. There are a lot of great matches in the first round but the most interesting one is the meeting between Marat Safin and Nicolas Almagro.

Marat, unseeded in this tournament, currently holds the rank of 58. The match is scheduled to be at 10:30 GMT.

Marat Safin leaves Wimbledon early this year

Last year semi finalist, Marat Safin, exits Wimbledon from the first round.

he lost to Jesse Levine in a devastating 4-set match, 2-6, 6-3, 6-7, 4-6.

What a Shame!

Safin exits Roland Garros for final time interview

"I cannot say I played my best tennis. Definitely not. Far away from that," said Safin, a two-time major champion who has only once come back to win from two sets down. "It was disappointing, a little bit, you know, trying and trying and trying and trying."

Safin erased three match points, including when Ouanna sent a backhand into the net in the last game. Moments later, Safin sent a forehand wide to end it.

"He played good," said Safin, who reached the semifinals at Roland Garros in 2002 but lost in the second round the past two years. "Even though ... he almost lost this match. Christmas is today and not the 25th of December."

Safin has a history of making history -- smashing rackets, setting balls sailing into the crowd, and even dropping his shorts during a match at the French Open, and complaining about the cost of spaghetti at Wimbledon.

On Wednesday, he riled the local fans after sending an easy forehand into the net while serving at 5-6. Disgusted with himself, Safin was preparing for his next serve when he lost control of the ball while bouncing it. He then nervously -- even angrily -- started kicking away dirt from just inside the baseline.

The crowd booed heartily, but forgave and forgot once the match was over, sending Safin off to the locker room with a loud round of applause.

"I'm not a bad boy, but hopefully I can change the thing that not a lot of tennis players have managed, to have a great life afterwards with tennis," Safin said of his future. "With all due respect, I want to try to be the guy who ends up doing something else and be good at it."

No Good News! Marat Safin Continues

One loss after another, that's what Marat is doing now. after the devastating games in Monte Carlo, Rome and Madrid, Marat lost again in second round of Roland Garros to Josselin Ouanna in an epic match.

Marat dropped the first 2 sets in tie breaks but he regained his confidence and won the following 2 sets 6-4, 6-3.

in the last set Marat lost himself again and struggled to lose the match 8-10 in the final set.

for over than 4 hours the match was going either way but the final word wasn't Marat's after all.

I don't know why this keeps happening. Marat you are the best. you have everything. we all love you. you just need to love yourself. stop being negative and have faith.

I'm sure that anyone who loves Marat the way I do is crushed down the way I am.

when will he be back? when will he be himself again?

Nobody knows, but we will be waiting.

Marat Safin WE LOVE YOU.

Marat Safin achieves Victory over Hewitt

Marat today in Monte Carlo achieved a consistent victory on Hewitt in a 2 set game.

Marat Safin brought Lleyton Hewitt down to earth on Tuesday when he won the battle of the former world number ones by beating him 6-4 7-5 in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Australian Hewitt, who won the U.S. Clay Court Championships in Houston on Sunday, could not match Safin's accuracy and bowed out on the third match point when he sent a backhand wide.

Russian Safin, who topped the ATP rankings for the first time in November 2000 following his U.S. Open victory, next faces Ecuador's Nicolas Lapentti.

He set his record straight to 7-7 with Hewitt, whom he beat in the Australian Open final in 2005.

Hewitt, who became world number one in November 2001, had his right thigh strapped after the first set but, true to his reputation, did not give up easily.

Both players traded breaks early in the match, with Safin stealing Hewitt's serve a second time in the 10th game to clinch the opening set.

World number 57 Hewitt, a wildcard entry, broke in the third game of the second set, only for Safin to level in the following with a forehand winner down the line.

The Russian wrapped up the win on his opponent's serve after 95 minutes.

Marat Safin plays Davis Cup 1st round on Friday

Marat Safin representing The Russian team plays Victor Crivoi representing the Romanian team on Friday 06 march in Romania.

here's an EXCLUSIVE interview recording for Marat on the draw day

click here to listen

The full draw for the weekend is as follows:

Friday
Victor Crivoi (ROU) v Marat Safin (RUS)
Victor Hanescu (ROU) v Mikhail Youzhny (RUS)

Saturday
Marius Copil/Horia Tecau (ROU) v Teimuraz Gabashvili/Dmitry Tursunov (RUS)

Sunday
Victor Hanescu (ROU) v Marat Safin (RUS)
Victor Crivoi (ROU) v Mikhail Youzhny (RUS)

Two-time Grand Slam Champion Safin will open the proceedings on Friday against Victor Crivoi
for whom this will be only his fourth Davis Cup match. But his lack of Davis Cup experience and the almost 100 ranking places difference between the two did not seem to concern the Romanian. Outcomes in Davis Cup are not always as predictable as they seem on paper and Crivoi is certainly going into the tie with the right attitude, despite the fact that he also has to deal with the pressure of being the first on court.

But he seemed to be at ease even with this minor obstacle, stressing that he was in fact “happy to go first,” a point which his captain also reinforced. “Hanescu has a lot more experience in Davis Cup and so he knows how to deal with different kinds of pressure but for Crivoi it is best to just go in there and not have to sit around much before that.” said Pavel the romanian coach.

Marat Safin in Dubai Barclays Duty free

Marat Safin has been given a wild card entry to Barclays Dubai tennis championship.

Safin reached the final here in 2001 before having to retire against Juan Carlos Ferrero with injury, and he has since struggled to repeat that success. In his four appearances since then he has failed to advance beyond the second round, but he has shown good form recently, with a final in Moscow in October and a fine performance against Roger Federer at the Australian Open suggesting he can still be a threat to anyone.

An interesting first-round clash will see Russia’s Marat Safin take on Frenchman Richard Gasquet. Ranked 26 and 27 in the world respectively, the two couldn’t be more closely matched. Safin, who had to reply on a wild card to participate in the tournament, has the superior record of three wins to Gasquet’s one, when the two have gone head to head in the past. He will, however, be hoping to avoid emulating his sister’s performance in Dubai this year – the world number two, Dinara Safina having crashed out in her first match of the tournament, after being handed a bye in the first round.

Marat Safin's last Australian open interview

After losing to Federer on the 23rd of January, Marat Safin leaves his last Australian open in the 3rd round.

Federer won 6-3, 6-2, 7-6

Here's Marat Safin's interview after the match.

Q. What happened with the foot faults in the tiebreak?

MARAT SAFIN: Well, just unfortunately some people, they want to take five seconds of the camera and to show everybody that he's in the match. It's sad story. Just unfortunately it's the most stupid thing I ever saw in my life.

It's just disappointment, because it's already 3‑1. There was a chance. It's a tiebreak. Every point counts. When it goes like that on the second serve in the tiebreak, why? I don't understand.

Q. It's happened to you before?

MARAT SAFIN: It happened to me in US Open. Just like I said, it's just the most stupid thing. Like there shouldn't be this rule. I'm not stepping on the line. It's sideways. It doesn't help at all to serve better.

Q. How much of an affect do you think that had on you? You won the next four points after that. Did you think it ended up costing you?

MARAT SAFIN: I think I played better in the third set. Unfortunately, it's probably a little bit too late to play against Federer to get into the match. I started to feel much for comfortable on the court in the third set.

I had a couple opportunities there, small ones, but still. Tiebreak was very close. For me, it was a chance to win a set, and then you never know what happens. I felt like he was struggling a little bit. Slightly. Of course, he's a great player. Just I could feel that he was tense. There was a small chance for me, just it slipped away.

Q. Do we have a chance to see you back here next year?

MARAT SAFIN: I doubt it. I really doubt it. I really doubt it.

Q. How does it make you feel to be saying good‑bye to Grand Slam events?

MARAT SAFIN: I don't like this bye‑bye part. It's just a sad story. It's not for me. I prefer to leave this way, quietly, nice, with a great match.

Unfortunately, I couldn't do better than that, three sets. But anyway, I lost today probably to the better player, one of the greatest ones in the history of tennis. I really hope for him to be so I can tell the story to my kids that I played with him. I think it's a nice story.

Q. What memories will you take away from this tournament?

MARAT SAFIN: I had some ups and downs here. One disappointment. Another great year. One final against Roger. And then one title I took here beating also Roger and Hewitt. So I've been playing some great tennis. So just the whole thing, the whole setup. The beautiful city, great people.

The crowd is always friendly. Go around in the city and they just love tennis. They live with tennis. They really enjoy it and appreciate what you are doing. That's what makes it special. It's really very sports‑people living here. It's always nice to come here every year, year after year. Unfortunately, I doubt it's going to ever happen again.

Q. That semifinal you played against Federer in 2005, people still talk about that as one of the great matches. How does that stick in your mind in terms of your career?

MARAT SAFIN: Well, just it was one of the greatest matches I ever played in my life probably. It's just for the fact that to play against Federer, against Roger, because he's the kind of player for my tennis, he's not really comfortable. He is not really comfortable tennis game for me.

I always struggled to play against him because he just doesn't give me any rhythm. He knows what to do in exact moment of the match. He knows what I'm going to do.

For me, to win that match in a semifinal was a huge thing. I never played any better. I wasn't any luckier in any other moments in the tennis court, so I could say that I was lucky; I played great tennis. He missed couple of shots that could change the match. He was very close to win it. He had a match point.

Q. You seem to keep your emotions in check a little bit tonight. Was that a conscious effort to hold yourself back a bit?

MARAT SAFIN: Well, if you get there, you try to play against Federer, you want to ‑‑ you see the opportunities, you see what you should do. Every time I try to do something else, the ball is not landing where you want it to land.

It's a little bit, of course, a disappointment because he doesn't give you a lot of opportunities throughout one hour and a half of the match.

You need to count every single point and any single chance to break him, otherwise there is just no chance. Of course it's disappointment that I'm not there, but you just need to keep it cool, just to wait for another one. Maybe there will be another chance. I had it. I had them. But not enough.

Q. You embraced Roger at the end. Was that partly because of what's happened at the tournament, or because you knew you were saying good‑bye as well?

MARAT SAFIN: Well, it's just we know each other for how many years? Since '94. We didn't play in the juniors, but we saw each other. We had some great matches. I was close a couple times. We grew up together. He started a little bit later than me.

I respect him as a tennis player, as a person. He's just very close ‑‑ let's put it this way: Very close colleague of mine.

Q. You also say he's the best you ever faced?

MARAT SAFIN: Probably, yeah. He's the most complete tennis player in the history of tennis, that's for sure. With all due respects to Agassi and Sampras and the rest of the gang.

But I never felt so uncomfortable against any of the players before.

Q. Fabrice?

MARAT SAFIN: Yeah, but I managed to beat him the last four times, so that's okay. Fabrice is a special guy also.

Q. I know it's hard for you, but who is your tip to go on and win the tournament?

MARAT SAFIN: Well, it's too early to say. Roger, he's definitely playing well. He played really well today. In the important moments he was at his best. He served well.

Also surprised me a lot Murray, the way he's moving and the playing around the court and the way he observes the other player on the beginning of the match. He's very clever and great hands. He's one more person to counsel. Djokovic is there. He's dangerous.

I'm pretty sure that ‑‑ anybody else coming to my head right now. Definitely going to come up somebody. Gilles Simon, for example.

There will be somebody. Third round. A little bit too early to speculate about it. We'll see. Roddick is there.

Q. What about Nadal?

MARAT SAFIN: Oh, yeah. Exactly. See. That's what I'm missing. He's the one who managed to beat Federer in almost all the surfaces. I mean, grass, he took him on grass, which is barely impossible and he managed.

So I think he has all the chances here if he gets to the final.

Q. Do you feel like Federer's playing the same as before or a bit different?

MARAT SAFIN: What kind of different? He cannot play any different tennis. He has all the skills, and he uses them. One day maybe he miss a couple of balls and the match goes to somebody else, but normally he manage to win all of them.

It's up to him every time, except on clay. But he knows exactly what he's doing. Just depends if he's a hundred percent feeling great that day. Basically two points make a big difference.

Q. Did you guys say anything to each other over the net?

MARAT SAFIN: What you are going say? Well done. Great play. Typical stuff. What else do you want me to say to him?

Q. Did he say anything to you?

MARAT SAFIN: Bad luck.

Q. What would it take to change your mind about walking away from tennis?

MARAT SAFIN: Nothing. I've been already too many years. I want to change and do something else. I'm ready for that. It's been a nice trip. It's enough.

Q. Do you know what that something else is?

MARAT SAFIN: Yeah, but I'll keep it to myself for the moment. I would love to do that. I'm ready.

Federer, Safin 3rd round clash in the australian open 2009

After winning his 1st 2 rounds, Marat Safin (2005 champion) will face Roger Federer world no.2 in the 3rd round of the Australian open.

The match is scheduled today, thursday 22/01 at 10 a.m. GMT.

Roger Federer and Marat Safin earned easy victories Wednesday to reach the Australian Open's third round, where the familiarity factor will be much higher: They'll play each other.

“I'm happy to be playing Marat; we have fought some battles,” Roger Federer said after ousting error-prone Evgeny Korolev of Russia 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 in just 86 minutes. “We had the epic in 2005.”

That was a semifinal thriller here that Marat Safin won in a 9-7 fifth set en route to the championship. Federer, seeking to tie Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam titles, has won their last three meetings, including the last two at Wimbledon.

Although Federer's No. 2 ranking is 24 places higher, Safin's talent, unpredictability and famed volatility set the stage for an early marquee matchup.

Safin, a former world No. 1, beat Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain 7-5, 6-2, 6-2. He will turn 29 next week and has said he is unlikely to play after this year, so he's trying to enjoy what could be his farewell tour.

“I have nothing to lose,” Safin said. “I'm going to go for it. Whatever comes, comes. He knows how to play against me; I know how to play against him.”

Australian open 2009

The 1st grand slam of the year starts today, Monday 1/19/2009.
The Australian open has finally opened its doors.
Marat Safin is seeded no. 26 in the tournament.
his first round match is scheduled today at 6:30 a.m. GMT
he plays Ivan Navarro the spaniard.

link to schedule
link to draws
link to website

Safin's bloody good show and the slovaks win hopman cup

Arriving in perth, bruised and battered didn't stop Safin in reaching the final i hopman cup.

the russian teamed up with his sister Dinara Safina currently world no.3 and ended runner ups of the tournament.

Dominika Cibulkova and Dominik Hrbaty led Slovakia to the Hopman Cup title Friday with singles victories over Russian siblings Dinara Safina and Marat Safin.

Cibulkova beat Safina 6-7 (3), 6-1, 6-4 Friday to give Slovakia a 1-0 lead and hand Safina her first singles loss of the tournament. Hrbaty then beat Safin, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 7-6 (3) to clinch the championship before about 8,000 people at the Burswood Dome.

Each team had 3-0 records going into the final and led its group in round-robin play of the mixed teams event.

It was Slovakia’s third title in the 21-year history of the Hopman Cup. Hrbaty also won in 2005, with Daniela Hantuchova.

Safina gave away three set points in the 10th game of the opening set.

Trailing 5-1 in the deciding set, she won the next three games, but Cibulkova held her serve in the final game to take the match. It was the Slovakian’s first win over Safina in three career matches.

“I was up 5-1 and suddenly it was 5-4, then she had a break point so I was really fighting,” Cibulkova said. “I’m just so happy I beat her. I had to play aggressive.”

Safin, who was unusually subdued during his group matches, displayed his typical volatility in the final, smashing a racket in the first set.

The 28-year-old, who has said he will retire at the end of 2009, also entertained the crowd. During a tense moment in the third set, with Hrbaty struggling to hold serve, Safin gave the net judge a kiss on the cheek after his wayward forehand hit her in the body.

Russian former world number one Marat Safin believes little sister Dinara Safina is poised for a breakthrough Grand Slam win at the upcoming Australian Open.

The fiery siblings teamed up on the court for the first time at the mixed teams Hopman Cup here this week, reaching the final only to lose to Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova and Dominik Hrbaty.

Despite her surprise loss to Cibulkova on Friday, Safin, who won the Australian Open title in 2005, said his sister was ready to lift the women's title and also become world number one.

"I think she is ready," he said. "She had a tough match, Cibulkova played incredible tennis.

"It is going to be a different story in Australian Open. There are going to be a lot of nerves, she's not defending anything because she lost first round last year, but she has a huge chance.

"She has a big chance to get closer to number one and I think she is looking for this and she is ready to be there."

Meanwhile Safin, who arrived with two black eyes from a fist fight in Moscow, was also confident about his final season before retirement after showing great form in his wins against Simone Bolelli and Lu Yen-Hsun.

"I am happy with how I am playing and I ready to go to Melbourne," said the world number 29.

"I am quite confident, the way I am playing after two months without touching a racquet, it is not bad tennis I am showing."

Marat Safin interview after winning his first match in hopman cup

Listen to the full interview Exclusive!

Russian tennis great Marat Safin overcame plenty to give his Russian team, also consisting of his sister, an opening Tie Hyundai Hopman Cup victory.

Safin, a former world No. 1, US and Australian Open winner, has decided that 2009 will be his final year on the Tour and he could have hardly made a more newsworthy beginning to it.

While his younger sister Dinara Safina has been in Perth training hard for the last week, Safin was having his own problems back home in Moscow.

Having been involved in an altercation a week ago which left him with one black eye, one cut eye and an injured thumb, it didn’t stop him beating Italy's Simone Bolelli to seal the Tie for the Russians.

While he contemplated retirement at the end of his 2008 campaign, Safin has decided to have a farewell tour this year and a big factor in that was the chance to play alongside his sister at the Hyundai Hopman Cup.

He might not be willing to reveal what his future holds, but he would about why he has come to the Cup for the fourth time.

"It's probably going to be my last year for sure and I'm moving onto my new life. I have no pressure and will do what I can to make it easy for me to play good tennis. Hopefully I can enjoy it and get some good results," Safin said.

"Leave it up to me (what I do in the future). I don’t want to speculate, but my bosses know about it and want to do it this way. You'll see.

"It's always a pleasure to come here, especially when you have a great companion on your team like my sister. I couldn’t refuse the offer to play with her especially as it's the first time and here, where there's a nice atmosphere, everyone is enjoying it and a lot of people are watching."

As for his incident last week, Safin did reveal his remnants were looking worse days ago and that it came from a fight that he prevailed in. He was delighted to play well still despite that and his late arrival in Perth.

"It was some small problem where I wasn’t in the right place at the right time, let's put it this way," he said.

"Yes, I won the fight. I'm OK now. It happened a week ago but I came out and won my match after not playing for two months, so that was pretty good."

Safin had a massive trip to make from Russia to Perth only landing on Saturday night, before having a light hit on court before being ready to play on Sunday, and to play well with 14 aces pleased him.

"I was struggling a little bit after flying forever and arriving late last night, so I couldn't practice a lot," he said.

"I warmed up a little today and tried to get through my match. It's tough to play your best tennis and it's more difficult to move and serve, so it becomes too complicated to play good tennis."

Taking the pressure off himself with it being his last year could well be a blessing in disguise for the 28-year-old, who is confident of having one of his best years before retiring. That could start at the Australian Open where he's a past winner, but he won't miss the game.

"Not really (in response to being asked if he would miss tennis). I'm OK. I like to play, but also enjoy my life and I'm not really crazy about it," he said.

"I am looking forward to playing well there, and hopefully I can have a good draw. I would prefer to play with somebody who can give me some pace so I can get used to the courts and conditions and then after the third round I will be ready to play a tough one.

"I just want to enjoy it, not have any pressure on myself and I don’t care what the results will be if I'm having fun. It's much easier than when people expect things from you, so hopefully I can have my best results this year without the pressure."

Marat and Dinara beat The Italians in hopman cup

RUSSIA's dynamic brother-sister duo of Dinara Safina and Marat Safin got off to a winning Hyundai Hopman Cup start downing Italy 2-1 on Sunday's Session 2.

It is the first time Safina and older brother Safina have teamed together anywhere in the world and they secured the win with victories in their singles encounters over Italy's Flavia Pennetta and Simone Bolelli.

The women's match was a close fought affair between the world's No. 3 and 13 with Safina having to come from behind in each set to win 7-5, 6-3.

Fresh off the plane from Russia into Perth on Saturday night, Safin wore some war wounds from his New Year's back home but did not drop serve against Bolelli to win 7-6 (5), 6-4 on the back of 14 aces.

The Italians then got a measure of revenge winning the mixed doubles 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (10/2) in a result that keeps them well in the hunt for the final.

While Safina won the women's singles in straight sets, it was a tremendously see-sawing battle. Pennetta opened up a 3-1 lead in the first set and consolidated that to 5-3, but then the Russian won the next four games to claim it 7-5.

It ended in a cruel way when Pennetta was called for the first foot fault of the tournament.

Pennetta again started the second set in bright fashion to take a commanding 3-0 advantage after winning the first two games without Safina winning a point, but the Russian then dominated winning six straight games to take the set 6-3, and sew up the win for the Russians.

In the men's match, Safin and Bolelli held serve right through the first set to send it into a tie-break. Safin's serve was well on song with 10 aces and that helped him claim the tie-breaker 7-5.

Having scored a win in their only previous meeting, Bolelli wasn’t about to go away, though, and the two held serve through the first six games of the second set before Safin scored the first break.

It came in the seventh game to give him a 4-3 lead and Safin consolidated to go up 5-3. Safin went on to hold serve and break Bolelli again to take the second set 6-4 to clinch the Tie.

Pennetta and Bolelli were desperate to do well in the doubles and started well, taking the set 7-5. However, Safina and Safin hit back in the second to win it 6-4 and force a deciding Match tie-break.

When there, the Italian duo dominated to take it out 10-2 to score the victory.

Italy next plays in Tuesday's day Session against France, while Russia has until Wednesday evening before taking on Chinese Taipei.

Marat Safin decided to play again in 2009 starting with Hopman Cup

Marat Safin who contemplated retirement after a disappointing loss during the last season, has decided to prolong his career for at least another year. he finally decided to continue playing tennis in 2009.
he will be starting the year with the prestigious Hyundai Hopman cup in Perth Australia with his sister Dinara Safina.

“I’m pleased to confirm my participation in Hopman Cup. It will be special to play with my sister, and I hope we can challenge for the Trophy”, Safin said.

Marat Safin and Dinara Safina would team up for the first time to form the second team in the tournament.

The Russians will be the number two seed.

Safin also decided to play in the Australian open where he will be seeded 29th.

Hopman Cup takes place 3-9 January 2009

link to full schedule

Marat twists his ankle and cancels his exhibition game with Djokovic

Marat vs. Djokovic december 13th exhibition match at st. Anton Austria was cancelled!
The Russian twisted his ankle 3 days ago and had to seek treatment.
Marat traveled to valencia to treat his ankle and the doctor says he should be fine within a week.
the news was announced only today despite the fact that Marat was injured days ago.
Tipsaravic the Serb jumped in to replace Marat Safin in the match against Novak Djokovic.

Marat Safin defeated Carlos Moya in Malaga Masters Internacional opener

Marat Safin decided to go to Malaga on December 4th to play in Malaga Master Internacional de Tenis - an international Exhibition Match.

he defeated carlos moya in the opener.

The first set was very tough until the very end. The Russian player, world-ranked no. 29, was more focused than Moya to eventually win the set.

But Moya managed to recover in the second set to be ahead in the score; yet, Safin reacted and started rallying the bad result.

When Moya was 5-4 ahead, Safin crashed into some advertising post and injured his left wrist; still, he refused to be assisted by the doctors.

Marat Safin tied the score to be 5-5 for the set to end up in a tie-break; then, the Russian clinched the second set and the win after a brilliant performance.

he won 6-4, 7-6.

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.