[sbrscnds]

When all is said and done, he will look back upon his career and experience deep regret for not being more disciplined. In my opinion, he totally wasted his talent. It will probably be 10 years before he realizes it, but when he does it will be a stiff kick in the head.

Couldn't agree more.

[Elelaytet]

Back in June, in the Which Number 1 Will Retire First thread, Mathieu Mateo said


So apparently he's been talking about it since at least June.

In this article on Sky Sports he talks about some of his injuries -

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...024379,00.html

Safin ready and raring to go
Former champ looking to re-kindle title-winning form
By Elliot Ball Last updated: 21st August 2008

He was talking earlier in the year that he considered retirement during/after last season.

[Lvnufcdc]

On a sort of related note, Ljubicic is a past finalist in Paris. And this year, he had to play through the quallies and beat Canas in the first round, only to lose to Davydenko in the second. I don't think anybody commented on that loss. When asked if this was going to be his last Bercy, Ljubicic said he'd be playing for 3 to 4 more years at least.

[zlopikanikanz]

On a sort of related note, Ljubicic is a past finalist in Paris. And this year, he had to play through the quallies and beat Canas in the first round, only to lose to Davydenko in the second. I don't think anybody commented on that loss. When asked if this was going to be his last Bercy, Ljubicic said he'd be playing for 3 to 4 more years at least.

Where? His backyard?

[Lvnufcdc]

Where? His backyard?

He was injured for 3-4 months. I, for one, really hope that he can get at least some of his game back.

Back to Safin, here's an interview from his official webpage. Looks like he is actually taking into serious consideration the possibility of retiring next year
After losing in the 1st round in the last tournament of the year, Marat mentioned that he was thinking about what was in his future regarding tennis and this was picked up by the media and has spread a lot of speculation around the world. In order to try and get a better idea of what Marat is thinking, we spoke to him before he left for his vacation.

Q: How do you feel right now?
A: I'm very tired. I guess after so many years on the tour, when you finish the season, you feel very tired and can't wait to get away and also I need it in order to take the right decision.

Q: Where do you plan to go?
A: I'm going this week to Miami and in a couple of weeks when I am back in Moscow, I will be wiser and more concrete about my plans.

Q: Can you please clear a little bit the confusion that is around about what you were talking about in the press conference after losing your 1st round match?
A: I actually said nothing in particular, I was just talking generally and I don't really know where all these rumours came from. All I said was that I am tired and I need some time off in order to make some good decisions.

Q: You can understand how your many fans are feeling these days. Can you clarify more about the various options and your wishes?
A: I have been playing professional tennis for over a decade. Its hard for me to find new goals for my career however the love for the game and the passion inside me are still very strong and that is why it makes it more difficult. There are still places where I would like to play, to be able to meet my fans and say goodbye properly to the many people who have followed me through out these last years.
I'm considering to play for one more year. I am also considering maybe to stop completely and then another option is to particularly play mostly in the places and tournaments which I really like and that had a tremendous impact on my career. That's why I need some time off to think it through properly, to talk to my my long time partners and sponsors and then I'll be able to hopefully make a better decision.

Q: We wish you a great vacation and there is no need to mention how much all of us would like to see you on the court playing your great tennis.
A: Thank you so much. This is all part of my consideration. I ask you all not to listen to the rumours flying around and I promise to all my fans that they will hear from me directly once I make up my mind. http://www.maratsafin.com/content.ph...6f35fceecedcbc

[DoctoNilsonDen]

Where? His backyard?

Sadly, Ljubicic may have to qualify for his backyard, too.

[zlopikanikanz]

Sadly, Ljubicic may have to qualify for his backyard, too.

LOL

I can see it now:
Moms d. Ivan 6-2; 6-1 in final round of qualifying for the Ljubo Open.

[Salliter]

He was injured for 3-4 months. I, for one, really hope that he can get at least some of his game back.

Back to Safin, here's an interview from his official webpage. Looks like he is actually taking into serious consideration the possibility of retiring next year

http://www.maratsafin.com/content.ph...6f35fceecedcbc

I don't believe he will give it up completely. He will be back.

[Lvnufcdc]

Well, as a tribute to what Safin once was, the greatest rally I've ever witnessed. Safin loses the rally, but what depth, precision and variety from him (and from Federer). AO semis, 2005.

30 shot rally

[inmeirulez]

Well, as a tribute to what Safin once was, the greatest rally I've ever witnessed. Safin loses the rally, but what depth, precision and variety from him (and from Federer). AO semis, 2005.

30 shot rally

Q: Why did Federer lose that match?

A: Ugly shirt.