Marat Safin. He reminds me of "Edward Scissorhands" every time I see him. I cry for him and more importantly, with him.
Safin is a fusion of contrasting characteristics, he is obscenely talented yet incredibly fragile. He can elevate his game beyond belief with the same ease with which he can self-destruct the next fleeting moment.
Multi-millionaire Hollywood looks with a deep sense of pragmatism and humility. He lives near the Monte Carlo harbor but thinks the pasta and strawberries at the Wimbledon are much more expensive. He can implode with the same intensity with which he can explode on court, and there are nine minute Youtube videos showcasing his racket destruction skills.
Something does not fit. For every white streak there is a darker shade that accompanies the former, and that’s precisely Safin, or as he is known better to tennis fans around the globe – ‘El Capitaine’. The self-berating, marginally self-loathing, troubled genius of a Russian, more often than not is surrounded by a bevy of blondes and brunettes. Five years ago at the Australian Open when he reached the final, his box was termed the ‘Blond-tourage’. Hell, he even took down his pants down once at mid-court after he won a point at Roland Garros.
- B/R Ticket Guide
If Federer and Nadal are the quintessence of a fortress, Safin undoubtedly symbolizes the extremely intricate, yet breathtakingly beautiful glowing glass chandelier hanging down from the towering ceiling. Few in the world (a list that may be starts and ends with Federer) can stop Safin when he is on his game.
It is almost unpardonable to not mention, his famous 9-7 fifth set victory over Federer in the 2005 Australian Open semi-finals. Safin would win only his second slam two days later.
Judging Safin by numbers alone is an original sin. He is one of the rare few who renders eternal hope and perennial frustration all fused into one, to the ones who love the game. Quite capable of imposing his Brobdingnagian game on to his opponents and playing lights out tennis to beat anyone on a given day, his pure ball-striking ability, reflected by the sweet sound of the ball hitting his racket, keeps the purists forever interested in his game.
Perhaps the most endearing aspect of Safin are his responses in the press. One would never fail to not notice the subtle undertone of ‘I’ll try my best; whatever ... comes, comes; cannot do anything more than that’ laced in his responses. Honest, yet very fair. His slam final speeches are one for the collectors. He honestly thanks not only his opponent, but also their family, friends and girlfriend in the box. Endearing and a sheer class act, at that.
With no one (not even himself) expecting him to do anything at this year's Wimbledon, an impressive run that includes a victory over Djokovic helped him earn an opportunity to meet Federer in the semi-finals on Friday. Even a seasoned gambler would consider it suicidal to bank money on Safin...to win or to lose. One would never know.
I doubt even if Safin does?
Here is wishing good luck to tennis’ Edward Scissorhands.
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6 months ago
Haha, Safin is a great guy to watch. Looking forward to his match with Federer.
6 months ago
' mad marat saint safin" for u...
6 months ago
"With no one (not even himself) expecting him to do anything at this year's Wimbledon, an impressive run that includes a victory over Djokovic helped him earn an opportunity to meet Federer in the semi-finals on Friday. Even a seasoned gambler would consider it suicidal to bank money on Safin...to win or to lose. One would never know."
Exactly my sentiments for the past eight years.
5 months ago
he is great guy to watch. he is extremely talented player.
from 5 months ago
he sure is aditi
thanks -
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