Safin to retire in 2010

Benchwarmer1 · Safin to retire in 2010

Safin intends to reitre in 2010

METZ, France (AP) - Marat Safin said in a newspaper interview that he plans to retire from tennis in 2010.

"2010 will be my last season," the two-time Grand Slam champion said in an interview published Wednesday by sports daily L'Equipe. "I will be 30 years old and it will be time to move onto something completely different."

Safin has dropped to 63rd in the rankings after a serious knee injury, and split with coach Peter Lundgren before the U.S. Open in August.

"The season has been very tough for me," said Safin, who is playing at the Open de Moselle. "If I had won half the games I should have won, I would be in a completely different (ranking) position."

The Russian feels he is improving but needs to be "more aggressive" on court. His short-term goal is to return to the top 30 and be seeded for the Australian Open in January — a major he won in 2005.

The 2000 U.S. Open champion said he will play four more tournaments before preparing for the Dec. 1-3 Davis Cup final against Argentina.

Here's the link
http://msn.foxsports.com/tennis/s...?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=199

x.doublea

I cannot believe so many players set retirement dates like this! This is really wrong... and his goal is so low! Top 30? He should be in the Top 2!

J-man

I wouldn't be surpised if he retires sooner.

dav6789

I don't like this when players set their retirement date, it takes the fun out of their game because it puts pressure on them to do well, and all the fans know there is only a limited time for them left.

Adie

I don't understand why they set a date like that so far in advance. Alot of things could happen in those years ahead both negative or positive for him. What if he becomes in the top 5 and starts winning slams in the next 3 years. Is he going to retire then , I doubt it. What if he plummets to below 150 in the rankings he might consider retiring earliuer. it is just way to early to make an announcement like that.

J-man

I also can agree with that. I can see why Clijters would put her retirement date set (for next year). But putting your retirement date for 4 years from now?! It just seems abit to quick and not thought out of very much.

Adie

Yes womens retirement dates are a bit different. Some retire to start families which is fine to set a date for that.

pacomexican

i don't understand why players set dates so far in advance either.