Post by Annie on Jun 28, 2005 15:35:17 GMT 3
Return of the Giant Russian
Madrid 2004
Safin shows in Madrid that he can play tennis as well as the greatest.
Four years after he was the world's number 1 and he beat Pete Sampras at the US Open final, Marat Safin joins again to the greatest. During these 4 years the Russian never lost his rebell personality like being disappointed when he couldn't reach the expected high level, his irregular play on the tennis court, or when he had to be inactive because of some injuries and his point of view that tennis is something more than just a sport.
In Madrid he was in good form during the clasifications as well and not only shaping up for the final.
"Only few people remember that I was injured for 6 month and that's why I could start this season only from the position 89. So I should be happy with the way I played, the titles I have won, and that I can play at the Houston Master's Cup. Honestly, I wouldn't have thought to reached this position as soon as I did."- said Safin when he won against David Nalbandian in 3 sets, and against Agassi in the semifinal in a merciless match.
His goal is to be the No. 1.
When he was asked about his chance to be the No.1., he had a clear opinion: "If I do my best, play on 100% and the injuries respect me I can go for it and this is my goal. But I know if Federer plays as good as before it will be very hard to beat him. I think this time he plays the tennis he was looking for but he can't keep this level for a long time."
Nalbandian said after the final in Madrid:
"Every match is another story. The fact playing against Safin doesn't influence me. But you have to take into consideration how you wake up in the morning and this day wasn't mine. Marat played a very good match and I helped him, too. I had an opportunity at 3-1 in the 2nd set, what I should have used but I missed it."
Translated by Agnes
Madrid 2004
Safin shows in Madrid that he can play tennis as well as the greatest.
Four years after he was the world's number 1 and he beat Pete Sampras at the US Open final, Marat Safin joins again to the greatest. During these 4 years the Russian never lost his rebell personality like being disappointed when he couldn't reach the expected high level, his irregular play on the tennis court, or when he had to be inactive because of some injuries and his point of view that tennis is something more than just a sport.
In Madrid he was in good form during the clasifications as well and not only shaping up for the final.
"Only few people remember that I was injured for 6 month and that's why I could start this season only from the position 89. So I should be happy with the way I played, the titles I have won, and that I can play at the Houston Master's Cup. Honestly, I wouldn't have thought to reached this position as soon as I did."- said Safin when he won against David Nalbandian in 3 sets, and against Agassi in the semifinal in a merciless match.
His goal is to be the No. 1.
When he was asked about his chance to be the No.1., he had a clear opinion: "If I do my best, play on 100% and the injuries respect me I can go for it and this is my goal. But I know if Federer plays as good as before it will be very hard to beat him. I think this time he plays the tennis he was looking for but he can't keep this level for a long time."
Nalbandian said after the final in Madrid:
"Every match is another story. The fact playing against Safin doesn't influence me. But you have to take into consideration how you wake up in the morning and this day wasn't mine. Marat played a very good match and I helped him, too. I had an opportunity at 3-1 in the 2nd set, what I should have used but I missed it."
Translated by Agnes
