Safin plans to say au revoir in Paris

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 11:29

The day we will be forced to say goodbye to one of tennis most charismatic champions has been confirmed after Marat Safin told reporters in Dubai that he will hang up his rackets in Paris this November.

The Russian former world No.1, who won the US Open in 2000 and the 2005 Aussie Open, confirmed after losing to Richard Gasquet in the first round in Dubai on Tuesday that the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 in Paris, which begins on November 8, would be his final event.

Dubai Day 2 picture gallery

“Paris, that’s where we’ll have to make it the last tournament, a tournament where I play the best tennis and where I won the Davis Cup, said Safin. I would love to say bye bye there.

The 29-year-old from Moscow joked that with a little help from his friends in the locker-room maybe he could make it a victorious goodbye.

Of course, I have to agree with all of the players and make it happen,” Safin added. “But unfortunately a lot of people are very ambitious and I don’t think it will happen!”

And if it did I will give away the prize money to everybody!” the Monte Carlo resident promised.

When asked about what the next nine months might hold, Safin said he is optimistic of adding to his career tally of 15 singles titles.

“I am motivated. I’m just not working out. And I am trying to keep my body in shape with the hope there will be some good results throughout the year,” Safin said.

“I think it’s much easier to do something great when you are less stressed and have less expectations on yourself.

“So I think it will be a little bit easier, but just to get the confidence back, and maybe just a few lucky points and I can change.

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here