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Post by maratski on Jan 4, 2009 16:32:57 GMT 3
Good start from his last season !!
Hope his results will be very good so he will play more than just 'one ' year !!!
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Post by Dina on Jan 4, 2009 17:21:24 GMT 3
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Post by SAFINNO1 on Jan 4, 2009 18:38:57 GMT 3
Session 2 - Russia 2 d Italy 1 Dinara Safina d Flavia Pennetta 7-5, 6-3 Time: 93 minutes, Umpire: John Blom Marat Safin d Simone Bolelli 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 Time: 90 minutes, Umpire: Louise Engzell Safin/Safin lost to Pennetta/Bolelli 7-5, 4-6, 6-7 (2/10) Time: 80 minutes, Umpire: Carlos Ramos Marat post match interview - hopmancup.com/upload/media/radio/04012008_Russias_Marat_Safin_looks_ahead_at_his_future.mp3Main Points really - He was in a fight a week ago which he won -Good match since 2 months he hadnt played - Hinted that this 'probably' will be his last year and he will begin his new life - He wants to have fun this year and doesn't care about his results - Hopes to do well at AO but alot depends on his draw Safin Begins Last Hurrah With Victory 4/01/2009 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Chris Pike HIS preparation was far from ideal, but 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."             |
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Post by SAFINNO1 on Jan 4, 2009 18:40:42 GMT 3
Media Conference
Transcript - Dinara Safina (Russia)
4/01/2009
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DINARA SAFINA (Russia)
Well ladies and gentlemen, your world number three, and spearheading the Perth campaign for Russia, Dinara Safina. Dinara, it seemed like a very competitive match first up for the season, how did you find it out there?
(Dinara) Ah yeah, it actually was not an easy match and she’s a very good player. And I think at the beginning we were both a little bit struggling with the rhythm. You know like to find more points, you know you haven’t played for a while. But I’m happy that I could win this match and to give one point to our family.
Your coach gave us the insight that you’re trying to add real aggression into your tennis. How did you feel you were able to do that today?
(Dinara) Well, I was trying to be aggressive for nothing, that’s what happened. I was like was, when I won the first set I was like “okay, I’m going to be even more aggressive” and yeah, I started very good. I won one point in eight points, so I was like “okay, maybe I should go with that” and try to play two eight for the match and to be more aggressive. And I think I did pretty good after.
You seem have a really good rhythm going peeling off the last six games of the match.
(Dinara) Yeah, well she was really tough and I was like “okay, just”, I started to focus just one point at a time. And I came up with winning all the points and all the games.
This would seem like a season of such great promise for you. You seem in terrific shape. We’ve watched you practise. You’re obviously working extremely hard. And the mantle of the world number one is almost in reach. Is that a focus of yours?
(Dinara) Well, yeah I try not to put so much pressure, you know? Like world number one. ‘Cause the most important thing I think is being healthy. And I think like you said, that I’m working hard and I’m giving 100 percent every game. By doing this and being healthy, I think everything is possible. But obviously it’s my goal. But I’ll try to do everything that’s possible.
Well you’ve done your bit for the family. Now for Marat. Have you had a chance to catch up with him? He was just a late arrival last night.
(Dinara) Well, I saw him hitting with my coach and it was fun to watch them both hitting. I enjoy them. I just hope it’s gonna be a great match that the crowd can enjoy and then to play a nice mixed. I’ll look forward for it.
Is he okay? Is he ready to go?
(Dinara) I think he’s ready to go.
He better be!
(Dinara) I hope so!
Have you told him you want one of those diamond encrusted tennis balls?
(Dinara) I haven’t told him yet. I don’t want to put some pressure on him. But I said already to my coach, I said “it looks pretty good this diamond ball”. And he’s like “okay”. [laughs]
We’re really looking forward to watching the chemistry between the two of you. Are you looking forward to being out on the tennis court alongside him?
(Dinara) I’m really looking forward. I think it was my dream as, as I was growing up because he was my idol. And now I’m a little bit different on the court, but as I was young I was also trying to copy him on the court. Obviously it’s not very nice for a girl to behave like him, but [laughter] but as I’m a girl I was like “okay, maybe it’s something I’m doing a little bit too much”. And now I’m trying to be a little bit more calm and I think it’s helping me a little more.
You keep him on the straight and narrow. We look forward to it. Dinara Safina.
Transcript - Dinara Safina, Marat Safin (Russia)
4/01/2009
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ROB CASEY (Assistant Tournament Director)
DINARA SAFINA (Russia)
MARAT SAFIN (Russia)
(Rob) Thank you ladies and gentlemen.
Marat, congratulations on your win. What’s it like to be back in Perth and playing at the Hopman?
(Marat) Oh thank you very much. It’s all a pleasure. Especially when we have a great companion and family team. Especially with my sister this time. So I couldn’t refuse the offer and I got to play with her. Especially the first time. And especially here. You know it’s a very nice atmosphere. Easy going tournament. And everybody’s enjoying, there’s a lot of people watching. So it’s nice to play. Especially it’s the first tournament, and the first tournament is indoors. So it’s not really rough and you can practise here and outdoors. It’s a really pleasant atmosphere.
It’s pretty much straight off the plane and onto the courts. How are you feeling physically?
(Marat) Well, struggling a little bit. I’ve been flying forever and we arrived very late last night. So I’ll keep on practising a lot. Yes, and yes we warmed up a little bit today, and I actually played my match. And of course it’s tough to play your best tennis, especially when you are just flying for such a long time. It’s difficult to move, difficult to serve, difficult to basically whole thing. Just too complicated to play and to play good tennis.
There’s been a lot of talk about, you know, possible retirement. So what sort of motivation are you carrying into this year then?
(Marat) Well, just it’s probably going to be my last year this year for sure. Because I’m moving to my new life, so I’m not quite sure, that’s why I’m playing. It’s easy for me to play, play good tennis. So hopefully I can enjoy it, and get me some great results.
What do you have lined up?
(Marat) Huh?
After your tennis career?
(Marat) Well, I leave it, I leave it up to me. You know I don’t wanna speak really about it, and just my bosses they know about it. And I wanna do it this way. You’ll see, you’ll see me.
Is this time probably your last time on the tour?
(Marat) Yeah most, most probably yes.
Marat, can we ask you how you damaged your eyes? Or how you got…
(Marat) Working hard. Practising hard.
You indicated that there were some problems in Moscow, or…
(Marat) Yeah well, just some small problem that I wasn’t, I wasn’t in the right place at the right time. So let’s put it at that.
Did you win the fight?
(Marat) Ah yes. I won the fight.
Marat, we see your thumb is injured as well. Was that injured in the same incident?
(Marat) Yep.
And is that ok? Did that…
(Marat) I’m, I’m good. I’m ok.
How long ago did the incident happen?
(Marat) A week ago.
How are you feeling out on the court? Does it affect your vision at all?
(Marat) No, I won my match. I didn’t play for two months, so I think it’s pretty good. It’s a pretty good match. [pause] Any questions for my sister?
Just, sorry Marat, one more on yourself. This will be your last Australian Open, obviously a tournament that you’ve won. How, what sort of a chance do you give yourself there, especially with the good preparation here if you continue to do well this week?
(Marat) Well, we’ll see. You know it’s still two weeks to go and I need to prepare myself a little bit more. And I’m still looking forward to play well there. And I’m looking forward to have a good draw. It’s very poor in there, and a couple of, two, a couple after two rounds I would prefer to play over there with somebody who can give me some pace and so I can get used to the courts and the conditions. And then afterwards there’s third round, third round would be already I can play with somebody, play a tough one. But first rounds I would love to be easy, to have easy. As any other player for sure.
Obviously you’ve shown us a real bit of what you can still do. With a farewell year on tour this year, are you capable of winning another grand slam?
(Marat) Well, it’s complicated. Too many players are playing well. Andy Murray, Djokovic, Nadal, Federer. So I’m not looking, I’m not really looking into doing some great things. But I don’t want to have any pressure on myself. And I wanna just enjoy it, and escape it. I don’t care what the results are going to be. I just wanna have, wanna have fun.
Knowing that it’s your last year on the tour, is that a good thing? It just takes all the pressure off and you can…
(Marat) Yeah, it’s much easier then, then when you have someone expects anything from you. So, so I think it’s much easier to play this way and I hope, that’s why I was saying, that hopefully I can have our best results this year. Because there’s no pressure.
Will you miss the game at all?
(Marat) Not really.
So, you’ve just had enough?
(Marat) I’m okay. I like to play, but I like to enjoy my life and also I’m not really crazy about it. So I just, I’m having fun right now.
Dinara, after having such a successful year last year, what are you hoping to pull from the Australian summer, to get out of it to set you up for this year?
(Dinara) Well, as I didn’t have a great start last year. Especially as I have nothing to defend, I just want to, to play my game and get as far as I can in Sydney and Melbourne in the upcoming tournaments.
And with Marat saying that he’s pretty much playing just to get a chance to play with you, what does that mean to you?
(Dinara) Well, I think I’ve said it already many times. Because it’s kind of a dream to play with him together, and I was like always looking forward to playing here together. And, you know, it came true so hopefully we can enjoy it together and have fun.
How are you finding all the new attention on you, with the new pressure of being one of the top ranking women in the world?
(Dinara) I don’t know. I…
(Marat) I would love to be her, be in her shoes, that’s for sure. So I think she’s, she’s having fun. She will not recognise it but she, she is having fun. For sure.
Dinara, this is your first Hopman Cup. Has Marat told you much about it over the years?
(Dinara) No, actually we try not to talk about tennis. So not really, but we speak about this, no.
McNamee said Safin's professionalism and commitment to the tournament was extraordinary.
"I wasn't sure why he was arriving so late, why he was requesting to play a day later, and now I know why," McNamee said.
"To see him like that, it's amazing that he's come. I know around Marat the unexpected happens, but you couldn't really pick this one.
"When he arrived last night I saw him in the lobby and he didn't look good.
"He said, 'I need two things - I need to see a doctor and I need to practise'.
"I dragged the doctor out of the ball and then he gave him some treatment and then he went and practised.
"He said he had not been able to play in the last week."
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Post by maratsmaiden on Jan 4, 2009 20:53:12 GMT 3
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Post by safinette on Jan 4, 2009 21:12:24 GMT 3
There’s been a lot of talk about, you know, possible retirement. So what sort of motivation are you carrying into this year then? (Marat) Well, just it’s probably going to be my last year this year for sure. Because I’m moving to my new life, so I’m not quite sure, that’s why I’m playing. It’s easy for me to play, play good tennis. So hopefully I can enjoy it, and get me some great results. I understand his reasons, but I just don't wanna start this year thinking it'll be his last on courts. Well done in singles! |
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Post by SAFINNO1 on Jan 5, 2009 1:08:34 GMT 3
Some Pics from Kiley from OS maratsafin.freeforums.org/hopman-cup-09-t207.html#10324  Media Conference Transcript - Flavia Pennetta, Simone Bolelli, Dinara Safina, Marat Safin 4/01/2009 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FLAVIA PENNETTA (Italy) SIMONE BOLELLI (Italy) MARAT SAFIN (Russia) DINARA SAFINA (Russia) Are you enjoying yourself in Perth? (Flavia) Yes. A lot. We won’t go any further than that. The players’ party last night. And Simone, a tough match today. You went out there and played well but Marat served particularly well today. (Simone) Yeah, he served many break points in the first set. And I think we both played very well. He serves good and he played better in the important points, and well I’m happy. I think I played a good match. Well, lots of good rallies in that. And the second serve at times let you down a little bit? (Simone) Yeah. In the singles, or doubles? No, in the singles. (Simone) In the singles, yeah. In the second set I start to serve a little worse. And he played confident and he won, I think, a good match. Well congratulations on a great day. And a good effort. And your first time here in Perth. We look forward to seeing you later in the week. Now for the family Safin. And Dinara, a great start to the day in the singles. (Dinara) Yeah, I think it’s a great start of the season. You know what I mean. And especially against a good player, like Flavia. It’s always tough to play against her. But I’m happy that I could win the match. And the brother comes through. He gets here late last night and looks like hell. And then he comes through and wins the match today. (Dinara) Well, I was glad that he won actually. ‘Cause he flew the whole night yesterday and played today and especially with the jetlag it’s not so easy. But I was surprised that he played and well done. Well I think it’s a great thrill for him to have you look up to him as your idol when you were a youngster, and I think today he might have given a bit of extra effort, do you think? (Dinara) Sorry? He? A bit of extra effort playing with his sister today? Tried a little bit harder? (Dinara) I think so, yeah. I think he, maybe he tried a little bit harder today in the singles. Well congratulations. A great effort. Marat, an unbelievable effort for you today. I think that’s the best match you’ve played in the what, four Hopman Cups you’ve been in, in the past four years here? (Marat) Yeah, I think so. It was a pretty impressive match by me. And I served really well and whenever I could remember that I always serve this way. And basically it saved my match. And otherwise we struggled in the doubles. I was a little bit too tired, and she was given me a bit of hard time in doubles so, difficult match. So basically it says all by itself. Well you tried to take on Flavia there a few times. I don’t think you won too many. (Marat) No well you know, that I need to find my mixed doubles. What’s the point to play to Simone? There is no point because he’s, he’s playing really well and Flavia she’s a female. So you can toy with her. Uh oh, uh oh. You’re in trouble! How are you gonna get out of this one? (Marat) Easy. She likes the way I play it so she was kind to me and she played my game. So thanks for that to happen. Well you had one strange call that came through a viewer, and the question was “Why did you take off one pair of socks?” (Marat) Good question. I started to have pain, a lot of pain in the feet. I didn’t play for five days and I put two socks and I said it to myself “I could not wear anymore”. And I had to take off a pair. So that I feel a little bit more free in the shoe. Well a great effort and I know you’re very tired after that in the mixed doubles. But a terrific effort in the mixed doubles and we’re very happy Russia is through. And we look forward to seeing you later in the week. (Marat) Thanks a lot. (Dinara) Thank you. |
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Post by SAFINNO1 on Jan 5, 2009 18:53:51 GMT 3
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Post by Barbarella on Jan 6, 2009 23:15:03 GMT 3
does anyone know if wednesday's tennis is going to be shown on the 'chon9cm' stream/channel like it was at the weekend? thanks!
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Post by maratsmaiden on Jan 6, 2009 23:43:39 GMT 3
does anyone know if wednesday's tennis is going to be shown on the 'chon9cm' stream/channel like it was at the weekend? thanks! Hey... I thought chon9cm (the moderator) said that he would be streaming the match the other night... but I wouldn't say I'm 100% certain. I'm bummed that he's playing at night, I think that will equate to about 4am my time, so, i doubt i'll be watching  |
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Post by memtennis on Jan 6, 2009 23:45:10 GMT 3
Same for me... Do they ever show any replays I wonder? We just have to hope for them to get into the final and then I think the tennis channel will broadcast.
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Post by maratsmaiden on Jan 6, 2009 23:48:36 GMT 3
i dont think they re-broadcast... unfortunately. Yes, Tennis Channel will be showing the USA matches, as well as the final. I would love to see him on TV again, so, let's hope they play well and beat their next two opponents!!!
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Post by SAFINNO1 on Jan 6, 2009 23:49:14 GMT 3
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Post by maratsmaiden on Jan 6, 2009 23:54:09 GMT 3
I love this photo - and seeing them play together, even on a tiny livestream was priceless   *drools*  I cannot get enough of that smile... Thanks for posting!!! |
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Post by maryb on Jan 7, 2009 0:00:20 GMT 3
Oh God no, not another match in the middle of the night. I'm back at work now. SKY showed most of the Bolelli match ... after me getting up at 3am to watch it ... I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed that SKY will show most of the next singles match as well ... well, I would cross them if they weren't blue with cold. It's -7 here ... and I can barely bend my joints as I'm wearing 5 layers when I leave the house in the morning. A sight for sore eyes. ;D Can't complain - it's been -15 up North.  Only +40 in Australia according to the Big Yin. Rub it in.  Having said that ... night matches in Australia means daytime here. ;D Think I'll get the whole match on SKY then. Try the same livestream again girls as Monday - sure it'll have the matches showing again. And stick with some strong coffee to keep you going if it's an all-nighter. Failing that, a nice beer. |
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Only +40 in Australia according to the Big Yin.