Marat safin back to square one?

Question

After his superb performence at wimbledon he has been very disappointing in the next two masters events at toronto and cincinnati. I really thought he is going to strike big in this y'r but looks like he is back to where he was and what do you think marat has in store for us in the next 6 months where most of the events are on hard courts which is known to be his best surface!!

Answer 1

It's really up to him, as to whether or not he wants to be a serious contender for any tournament. In his 1st rd. match vs. Tursunov, he got so worked up over a foot fault call, that it literally derailed him. He was verbally back and forth with the chair umpire. A smart player would've just quit complaining and played on.

Safin's problem has always been his self-control, his self-confidence, and his maturity on the court. It's very clear that Safin can't control his emotions on court. He has to complain and complain, and it does nothing positive for him. What's truly sad is that it doesn't seem to me that he believes in himself.

I was disappointed when he didn't bother to show at the French Open final, when his own sister Dinara was playing for a grand slam title. As much as I like him, I think he's unhappy with himself and his personal life. I don't think his heart is in the game anymore, so maybe it's time for him to consider giving up tennis.  Just a thought.

Answer 2

I hope not.  His sis is doing so well BTW due to Marat's advice I heard.  He is wonderful, yes he's a hot head and so is his sis, its in the genes, but he is so talented....and always takes his anger out on himself or his racquet.  I love to watch him play, maybe he'll get it together for the US Open, I hope so.

Answer 3

Hes a step slower, and the focus he needs to maintain to win matches is taking its toll on him. Hes talented, and also bright; meaning he also realizes hes not as youthfully fit as he used to be. This factor alone is a mental block to his game. Not alot is really holding Safin back back other than himself. This is a transition of generations, I believe Safin along with Federer, Nalbandian, Ferrero, Moya, are beginning to struggle with the onslaught of the nexts generations baseliners and further slowed down courts.

Answer 4

Yes I really thought we were going to see a different Safin the rest of this season. His play at Wimbledon was quite different than his usual. He didn't hit as many outright winners, but he didn't make a lot of errors. He also forced his opponents into making errors. Perhaps he should try to continue this style because he is always plagued by unforced errors and inconsistency. I really hope to see some better performances next week in LA and at the US Open.