1/5/09 10:23 AM | Johan Lindahl
Marat Safin is paving the way for his retirement from tennis, confirming that 2009 will be his last season. But - like everything else with the quirky Russian - the deadline may be subject to eventual modification.
"I'm looking forward to change my tennis career for something else and I have to wait for another year for it to happen," the two-time Grand Slam champion said as he teamed with sister Dinara Safina at the Hopman Cup in Perth.
"I'm on to my new life, so I have no pressure and that's why it's easier for me to play good tennis. Hopefully I can enjoy it and get some good results".
Safin made noises about packing it in last autumn when he lost in the first round at Paris Bercy. But after having a think, the 28-year-old who celebrates a birthday later this month, decided to ride out the storm.
"I won't really miss the sport", he said. "I like to play, but I like to enjoy my life also. I'm having fun right now".
Tell a friend »