The Russian "bad boy" who delivered tennis triumph to his nation
Marat Safin gained significant attention during the latest Australian Open, and he remains the most recent Russian player to secure a Grand Slam title. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
As the 2023 Australian Open approaches its finale this weekend, we reflect on a charismatic Russian former champion of the tournament.
The first Grand Slam of the year will culminate on Sunday with the men's championship match featuring record nine-time winner Novak Djokovic against debut finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas. Following Karen Khachanov’s semifinal loss to Tsitsipas, Russia faces another disappointment in its quest for glory in Melbourne, especially after Daniil Medvedev’s back-to-back finals defeats in the previous two editions of the tournament.
It has been nearly twenty years since a Russian man last claimed the title in Australia. That honor belongs to Marat Safin, one of the sport's most colorful and unpredictable figures. Safin became the second Russian to win the Australian Open, following Yevgeny Kafelnikov's victory in 1999, achieving this milestone in 2005 by coming back to defeat local favorite Lleyton Hewitt in what marked his final major triumph.
Though he retired prematurely in 2009, Safin’s legacy endures in the tennis community. This was highlighted recently by a viral photo from the 2002 Australian Open, which showcased the visually striking female fans in his player’s box during his matches.
Known as a “two-meter embodiment of women’s dreams” by compatriot Dmitry Tursunov, Safin garnered admiration for his “frankness, outrageousness and charm,” coupled with an impressive talent on the court. His three appearances in Australian Open finals exemplified these qualities, none more so than when the resurfaced photo from 2002 reminded fans of his spirited character and lifestyle that involved revelry, especially before his upset loss to Thomas Johansson in the final.
Born in Moscow to Tatar Muslim parents, Safin displayed remarkable talent early on in tennis, moving to Valencia, Spain, at the age of 14 for better training opportunities. Safin believed that the clay courts in Spain would be gentler on his developing physique, as he grew "very fast … with no muscles."
This move ultimately benefited his career. After turning professional in 1997, he made a name for himself by defeating both Andre Agassi and reigning champion Gustavo Kuerten at the 1998 French Open, even though he was eliminated in the fourth round. Additionally, he bested Brit Greg Rusedski in an ATP final in Boston, marking a significant milestone in his early career.
Turning 20 on January 27, 2000, Safin experienced his most successful year, accomplishing remarkable feats that have yet to be surpassed. He captured a Masters tournament in Canada and then became the third youngest winner of the US Open by defeating four-time champion Pete Sampras in straight sets.
His triumph at Flushing Meadows established him as the first Russian to win the US Open, a record that would remain until Daniil Medvedev clinched the title in 2021. That year, Safin also became the youngest player of the Open Era to achieve the world number one ranking, securing the most titles on the ATP Tour for that season.
“For me it was very strange in my experience reaching number one. I wasn’t ready for that because I couldn’t imagine just a few months earlier that I’d have the chance to become number one in the world. I was Top 50, dropping, playing very badly,” he later confessed to ATPTour.com. “I underestimated myself… I didn’t believe in myself, and I was seeing myself weaker than others, which is unbelievable. Now I can understand tennis better.”
By this point, Safin had earned a reputation as a fiery presence on the court. He would often let his frustrations out on his racket while showcasing his formidable skills and resilience. A notable moment came during the 2000 Paris Masters final against Mark Philippoussis, where he battled through five sets and an injury after diving for a volley, completing the match with a bandage over his right eyebrow.
The year 2001 was quieter for Safin, with only two ATP final victories, but he reached his first Australian Open final in 2002, where he was defeated by Thomas Johansson. Rumors of his pre-match partying circulated when Daniel Kollerer recounted seeing Safin drinking and celebrating like it was already his birthday before the match.
“He [was] so drunk he can't even walk on his two feet, it can not be that bad,” reminisced the German to Unbreakable Media, recalling Safin's wild night leading up to the match. “He could never win because he was so drunk, unbelievable. He was celebrating the night before like it was his birthday party.”
In subsequent years, Safin faced a series of injuries, impacting much of his career. However, he returned strong at the 2004 Australian Open, defeating world number one Andy Roddick and legend Andre Agassi before ultimately falling to Roger Federer in the final.
Another year of frustration followed with Safin finishing the 2004 season strongly, reclaiming his footing by winning the Paris Masters and leading Russia to its first Davis Cup title in December.
Safin's success returned in 2005 when he reached his third Australian Open final within four years and finally secured victory, avenging his earlier loss to Federer in the semifinals and defeating Hewitt in the final.
Injuries would sideline him for the remainder of that year, but he collected a second Davis Cup title in 2006 and became the first Russian to reach the Wimbledon semifinals, despite his known lack of enthusiasm for grass courts.
Though he hung up his racquet at the relatively young age of 29 in 2009, Safin left behind a storied legacy. He was twice voted the ATP Fan Favorite and was celebrated as a "must-watch player" by fans and press alike, with many considering that he could have achieved even more given his innate talent.
In terms of personality, he draws comparisons to contemporary star Nick Kyrgios, as both are recognized for their captivating on-court presence and occasional conflicts with the rules, with Safin smashing an impressive total of 1,055 rackets during his career.
In one of his final appearances, Safin endured a rough outing at the 2008 Cincinnati Masters, but he left the sport on good terms at the Paris Masters, receiving a ceremonial key following his defeat to Juan Martin Del Potro. During an emotional farewell, he reflected, “Today I will put all my memories, all my wins and losses in a small box. Today a door is closed, hopefully another one will open.”
After retiring, Safin briefly ventured into politics, elected to the Russian State Duma representing the United Russia Party, a role he stepped down from in 2017. “I was young and unexperienced. They talked me into it,” he admitted. “I don’t regret it. I practiced and used my law degree, I have learned a lot... six long years in top politics on a federal level in such a huge country like Russia is an amazing achievement, and a very serious lesson.”
In addition to his political endeavors, Safin was involved in the Russian Tennis Federation and the Olympic Committee and served as a coach for a 'Dream Team' including Medvedev and Khachanov, working to relive his victorious Davis Cup moments after being the first Russian inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2016.
“We had ups and downs, we cried, we broke rackets, we shouted some words, we threw the balls out of the court, we insulted the referees, only sometimes,” Safin humorously recalled during his induction. “But this is a part of our life. I'm just so pleased to be part of it. It's a huge honor to be inducted and be part of history.”
Recently, his name resurfaced in the media, thanks to an old photo featuring the so-called "Safinettes," a group of appealing female supporters at the Australian Open. This group included models from Moscow and even caught the attention of current Australian tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis, who declared Safin as the GOAT—greatest of all time—for the allure of his entourage.
Safin reportedly had as many as eight women cheering for him during the 2002 Australian Open, and insiders confirmed that the Russian “never has difficulty finding female supporters.” “His little black book would be pretty impressive,” added a source to the **Herald Sun**.
The Melbourne daily and Channel 7 highlighted the presence of the "Safinettes" during Safin's matches, with the player humorously acknowledging them in his on-court remarks: “I have to say thank you to all my family sitting over there,” drawing laughter from the crowd while gesturing toward his entourage.
Celebrating his 43rd birthday this past Friday, Safin reminisced fondly about his time in Australia, saying, “I have great memories from Australia. I played well and happy there.”
It is remarkable to consider that such antics could happen today on the ATP tour, reflecting Safin's unique status as an entertainer with a charm that continues to be remembered, as many of his impressive records still stand.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
The first Grand Slam of the year will culminate on Sunday with the men's championship match featuring record nine-time winner Novak Djokovic against debut finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas. Following Karen Khachanov’s semifinal loss to Tsitsipas, Russia faces another disappointment in its quest for glory in Melbourne, especially after Daniil Medvedev’s back-to-back finals defeats in the previous two editions of the tournament.
It has been nearly twenty years since a Russian man last claimed the title in Australia. That honor belongs to Marat Safin, one of the sport's most colorful and unpredictable figures. Safin became the second Russian to win the Australian Open, following Yevgeny Kafelnikov's victory in 1999, achieving this milestone in 2005 by coming back to defeat local favorite Lleyton Hewitt in what marked his final major triumph.
Though he retired prematurely in 2009, Safin’s legacy endures in the tennis community. This was highlighted recently by a viral photo from the 2002 Australian Open, which showcased the visually striking female fans in his player’s box during his matches.
Known as a “two-meter embodiment of women’s dreams” by compatriot Dmitry Tursunov, Safin garnered admiration for his “frankness, outrageousness and charm,” coupled with an impressive talent on the court. His three appearances in Australian Open finals exemplified these qualities, none more so than when the resurfaced photo from 2002 reminded fans of his spirited character and lifestyle that involved revelry, especially before his upset loss to Thomas Johansson in the final.
Born in Moscow to Tatar Muslim parents, Safin displayed remarkable talent early on in tennis, moving to Valencia, Spain, at the age of 14 for better training opportunities. Safin believed that the clay courts in Spain would be gentler on his developing physique, as he grew "very fast … with no muscles."
This move ultimately benefited his career. After turning professional in 1997, he made a name for himself by defeating both Andre Agassi and reigning champion Gustavo Kuerten at the 1998 French Open, even though he was eliminated in the fourth round. Additionally, he bested Brit Greg Rusedski in an ATP final in Boston, marking a significant milestone in his early career.
Turning 20 on January 27, 2000, Safin experienced his most successful year, accomplishing remarkable feats that have yet to be surpassed. He captured a Masters tournament in Canada and then became the third youngest winner of the US Open by defeating four-time champion Pete Sampras in straight sets.
His triumph at Flushing Meadows established him as the first Russian to win the US Open, a record that would remain until Daniil Medvedev clinched the title in 2021. That year, Safin also became the youngest player of the Open Era to achieve the world number one ranking, securing the most titles on the ATP Tour for that season.
“For me it was very strange in my experience reaching number one. I wasn’t ready for that because I couldn’t imagine just a few months earlier that I’d have the chance to become number one in the world. I was Top 50, dropping, playing very badly,” he later confessed to ATPTour.com. “I underestimated myself… I didn’t believe in myself, and I was seeing myself weaker than others, which is unbelievable. Now I can understand tennis better.”
By this point, Safin had earned a reputation as a fiery presence on the court. He would often let his frustrations out on his racket while showcasing his formidable skills and resilience. A notable moment came during the 2000 Paris Masters final against Mark Philippoussis, where he battled through five sets and an injury after diving for a volley, completing the match with a bandage over his right eyebrow.
The year 2001 was quieter for Safin, with only two ATP final victories, but he reached his first Australian Open final in 2002, where he was defeated by Thomas Johansson. Rumors of his pre-match partying circulated when Daniel Kollerer recounted seeing Safin drinking and celebrating like it was already his birthday before the match.
“He [was] so drunk he can't even walk on his two feet, it can not be that bad,” reminisced the German to Unbreakable Media, recalling Safin's wild night leading up to the match. “He could never win because he was so drunk, unbelievable. He was celebrating the night before like it was his birthday party.”
In subsequent years, Safin faced a series of injuries, impacting much of his career. However, he returned strong at the 2004 Australian Open, defeating world number one Andy Roddick and legend Andre Agassi before ultimately falling to Roger Federer in the final.
Another year of frustration followed with Safin finishing the 2004 season strongly, reclaiming his footing by winning the Paris Masters and leading Russia to its first Davis Cup title in December.
Safin's success returned in 2005 when he reached his third Australian Open final within four years and finally secured victory, avenging his earlier loss to Federer in the semifinals and defeating Hewitt in the final.
Injuries would sideline him for the remainder of that year, but he collected a second Davis Cup title in 2006 and became the first Russian to reach the Wimbledon semifinals, despite his known lack of enthusiasm for grass courts.
Though he hung up his racquet at the relatively young age of 29 in 2009, Safin left behind a storied legacy. He was twice voted the ATP Fan Favorite and was celebrated as a "must-watch player" by fans and press alike, with many considering that he could have achieved even more given his innate talent.
In terms of personality, he draws comparisons to contemporary star Nick Kyrgios, as both are recognized for their captivating on-court presence and occasional conflicts with the rules, with Safin smashing an impressive total of 1,055 rackets during his career.
In one of his final appearances, Safin endured a rough outing at the 2008 Cincinnati Masters, but he left the sport on good terms at the Paris Masters, receiving a ceremonial key following his defeat to Juan Martin Del Potro. During an emotional farewell, he reflected, “Today I will put all my memories, all my wins and losses in a small box. Today a door is closed, hopefully another one will open.”
After retiring, Safin briefly ventured into politics, elected to the Russian State Duma representing the United Russia Party, a role he stepped down from in 2017. “I was young and unexperienced. They talked me into it,” he admitted. “I don’t regret it. I practiced and used my law degree, I have learned a lot... six long years in top politics on a federal level in such a huge country like Russia is an amazing achievement, and a very serious lesson.”
In addition to his political endeavors, Safin was involved in the Russian Tennis Federation and the Olympic Committee and served as a coach for a 'Dream Team' including Medvedev and Khachanov, working to relive his victorious Davis Cup moments after being the first Russian inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2016.
“We had ups and downs, we cried, we broke rackets, we shouted some words, we threw the balls out of the court, we insulted the referees, only sometimes,” Safin humorously recalled during his induction. “But this is a part of our life. I'm just so pleased to be part of it. It's a huge honor to be inducted and be part of history.”
Recently, his name resurfaced in the media, thanks to an old photo featuring the so-called "Safinettes," a group of appealing female supporters at the Australian Open. This group included models from Moscow and even caught the attention of current Australian tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis, who declared Safin as the GOAT—greatest of all time—for the allure of his entourage.
Safin reportedly had as many as eight women cheering for him during the 2002 Australian Open, and insiders confirmed that the Russian “never has difficulty finding female supporters.” “His little black book would be pretty impressive,” added a source to the **Herald Sun**.
The Melbourne daily and Channel 7 highlighted the presence of the "Safinettes" during Safin's matches, with the player humorously acknowledging them in his on-court remarks: “I have to say thank you to all my family sitting over there,” drawing laughter from the crowd while gesturing toward his entourage.
Celebrating his 43rd birthday this past Friday, Safin reminisced fondly about his time in Australia, saying, “I have great memories from Australia. I played well and happy there.”
It is remarkable to consider that such antics could happen today on the ATP tour, reflecting Safin's unique status as an entertainer with a charm that continues to be remembered, as many of his impressive records still stand.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
