Apologies if this has already been posted. Nice birthday pressie for me to hear the Big Yin so positive! ;D Keep it up!
MELBOURNE, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Having slipped outside the world's top 50 for the second time in five years, Marat Safin's name has not been one of those mentioned many times as a potential champion at this year's Australian Open.
However, the former world number one and winner of two grand-slam titles, including in Melbourne three years ago, says his best form could be just around the corner, news that could spell trouble for all his rivals, including Roger Federer.
"I think it can happen at any moment," Safin told Reuters in an interview.
"If I do all the right things, by the end of the year, something good should happen, I really feel that.
"The way I practiced, the way I am doing my things, I should be OK this year. I just need to wait -- maybe it's going to be here at the Australian Open, maybe it will be later on. I might be wrong but I am feeling like I am playing good tennis."
The 27-year-old, now ranked 57, has long been regarded as one of the most talented players on tour.
With a strong serve, huge power on both wings and a backhand that is the envy of his peers, Safin is one of the few players who can stand his ground with Federer.
Injuries, though, have cost him dear, stopping him in his tracks soon after both of his grand-slam titles, the U.S. Open in 2000 and the Australian Open in 2005.
KNEE INJURY
The most recent injury, to his left knee, was so bad that Safin changed the way he moved in order to protect it and he has not gone beyond the fourth round at a grand-slam event since he won the title in Melbourne.
"I got injured after I won here," Safin said. "I struggled until Wimbledon, until I couldn't run any more.
"For eight months I couldn't walk. They told me there was only a possibility that I could come back to play tennis.
"They wanted me to have another operation but said if something goes wrong, you will be handicapped for the rest of your life, so it was never sure that I could play.
"Now, I feel good. When I am playing well, I know I am good. I just hope to stay healthy and manage myself."
Safin, who begins his Australian Open campaign against Latvian teenager Ernests Gulbis, could play 15th seed Marcos Baghdatis in the second round at Melbourne Park.
Australian Lleyton Hewitt, whom he beat in the Melbourne final three years ago, could be waiting in round three.
Regardless of how he does over the next two weeks, Safin said he believed his ranking would take care of itself.
"I have (almost) no ranking points to defend this year," he said.
"My goal is first to get to the top 20, and then I can start looking at the top 10, which is not that far away." (Editing by John O'Brien)
uk.reuters.com/article/tennisNews/idUKB1066620080112?sp=true
Well, judging by the lack of fat on the Big Yin, he'll be lighter on his feet on the court.
