It seems Marat Safin may have seen his last Aussie Open.
The towering Russian confirmed he has most likely played his final match in Melbourne during his post-match presser after falling to Roger Federer 3-6, 2-6, 6-7 (5) in the third round:
Q. Do we have a chance to see you back here next year?And what is Marat planning for his post-tennis life?
MARAT SAFIN: I doubt it. I really doubt it. I really doubt it.
Q. How does it make you feel to be saying good‑bye to Grand Slam events?
MARAT SAFIN: I don't like this bye‑bye part. It's just a sad story. It's not for me. I prefer to leave this way, quietly, nice, with a great match.
Unfortunately, I couldn't do better than that, three sets. But anyway, I lost today probably to the better player, one of the greatest ones in the history of tennis. I really hope for him to be so I can tell the story to my kids that I played with him. I think it's a nice story.
Q. What would it take to change your mind about walking away from tennis?
MARAT SAFIN: Nothing. I've been already too many years. I want to change and do something else. I'm ready for that. It's been a nice trip. It's enough.
Q. Do you know what that something else is?
MARAT SAFIN: Yeah, but I'll keep it to myself for the moment. I would love to do that. I'm ready.
Regal Rog expressed his thoughts on the 2-time Grand Slammer and his pending retirement after the match:
He brings something different to the tennis world with his character, the way he is on the court and the way he is off the court. He’s larger than life. I respect him for what a competitor he is. I hope it’s not the last one tonight.Oh what a sad day it will be when Marat hangs up his racquets for good. He's enigmatic, frustrating, colorful, exasperating, and entertaining all wrapped up in a sexy 6' 5" frame.
He'll be sorely missed. *wears sad face*
(images via Getty)
:(
ReplyDeleteI can't even say anything. I'll just enjoy him while I can.
pamela: *still wearing sad face*
ReplyDeletedoesn't Marat's eyes look sad in the first pic? like he's taking it all in as he leaves the court for probably the last time??
:'(
ReplyDeleteHe's definitely one of the most charismatic players out there, if ever. He doesn't even have to try, he's so enigmatic. You'll always have a special place in my heart, Marat. And not just because you're a hunka hunka burnin' love.
Marat... So sad! :-(
ReplyDeleteIn the first pic Roger looks younger... Daddy Marat with lil'Roger...
Aw I will be sad to see him go (whenever that is). He's certainly been very entertaining over the years!
ReplyDeletelet me preface this by saying that i've always been a HUGE HUGE fan or marat and i was absolutely rooting for him to upset federer-- but i'm glad he's retiring. it means i won't have to be so severely disappointed anymore whenever he loses or plays poorly, i won't be so crushed after he teases me with phenomenal play only to fall spectacularly. after the 05 aussie open i truly thought marat would be fed's main competition, and we obviously know how that turned out. while i think 28 (29?) is far too young to retire, i can't take any more disappointment!
ReplyDeleteSafin was lookin' so hot last night! I'm def going to miss him... he's such a character both on-court and off. Plus he's ridiculously sexy. That never hurts!! I really hope he has a good season and goes out on a high note :)
ReplyDeleteI think Marat should become a chair umpire when he retires. He's definitely fair minded and that would keep him front and center on our television screens, where a sexy man like him belongs. Heck, we'd probably see more of him that way.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame he wasn't in Djokovic's section this tournament - I think Marat allows Fed too much respect and capitulates too easily (yes, even though he had that great win in 2005). The young guys are still intimidated by him, and I think he could still win a Major (I guess it's the U.S. Open at this point) if he gets the right draw. He's definitely playing better than he was a couple years ago. Last year's semi final run at Wimbledon signals that he's still got some great tennis in him.
:(
ReplyDeleteHe's my favorite. I'm really sad. There's nothing else I can say. I'll really miss him.
Best wishes to him on his new life after retirement!
ReplyDeleteHe gives a lot of tennis and of course tennis gives a lot to him.
I hope he never stops playing. And it's true, he's still an awesome athlete and maybe even has a Slam in him. (Ref: The Williams sisters)
ReplyDeleteWill miss. Hottie.