“A Kid in one hand and a Beer in the other – Sensitive New Age Guy Safin declines to discuss about the tournament”

September 12. 2004
sina.com

With the help of a translator, the affable Safin displayed his true, inner self to this reporter. Throughout the discussion, this reporter strongly felt that the Safin sitting in front of him was definitely not the notorious “barrel of dynamite” who tosses his racquet on court to let off steam, but is a person who has high hopes for life and a very good “catch” for the girls.

“I’m really touched by the Chinese fans’ enthusiasm.”

In November last year, Safin, at the invitation of the tournament organisers, travelled to Beijing with Thailand’s Srichaphan for a promotional event. The two players were also the earliest amongst the superstars to commit themselves to this year’s edition of the China Open. Returning to Beijing this year, Safin confesses that he is like before, very excited and that touring the snow covered streets of Beijing last year is an event that still brings back fond memories. Safin says, “Last year, I had a lot of fun here in Beijing with Srichaphan. The beautiful city also left a deep impression in my mind. During my visit last year, I was surprised to discover that I had so many fans in China. Arriving at the airport today, there were also many fans receiving me and I’m really touched by that. The field is very strong at this year’s tournament, and I cannot guarantee that I can achieve great results but I hope that I can put up an exciting performance for the fans.”

“Would sacrifice tennis for family.”

As many fans would know, there was once a beautiful lady by the name of Silvia by Safin’s side. However, the two broke up last year, which left Safin dejected for a while. However, at this year’s Australian Open, the tennis world suddenly discovered that another Russian lady had joined Safin’s entourage – Dasha. Under a reporter’s persistent questioning, the 24 year old Safin admitted to dating Dasha. At the reporter’s request, Safin also ranked the 5 most essential things in his life – family, tennis, friends, beer and girlfriend. Safin slyly replied, “First would be my family, which includes my girlfriend. Next would be my friends, followed by tennis and finally, beer.”

Safin confesses that he is very serious about his relationships and so, was upset after his split from Silvia. This also caused his to cherish his current relationship. However, Safin also professes that if he were to start a family and especially if he were to have children, he would most probably choose to retire from tennis and end the frequent travelling, to enjoy his life. “Marriage and children. I think I’d like to have at least 2 children,” Safin admits his “ambitions” truthfully, “I like the idea of enjoying family life.”

“More good looking male players than female player.”

Whether oncourt or offcourt, the good looking Safin has always caught the attention of female fans and he is often surrounded by huge crowds of passionate female fans. Towards this fact, Safin is very touched but at the same time is afraid that his girlfriend might get jealous. During the interview, Safin even asked the reporter, “Do you think I’m good looking?” The reporter replied in the positive and also advised Safin to take a good look in the mirror. Safin smiled and retorted, “Goodness, how can guys look in the mirror, only women do that!” Returning to serious business, Safin replied, “I feel that there are more good looking guys than girls in tennis. There are too few beauties on the WTA tour. In contrast, there are a whole bunch on the men’s tour, including Haas, Hewitt, Roddick and Philippoussis.”

When asked by the reporters if he would do an Anna K and earn big bucks outside of tennis, Safin said, “I will definitely not do this. I have been approached by many people to be their spokesperson but I’m not interested. I’m only interested in tennis and beer. I yearn for a peaceful life, which is also why I strive to be like Sampras and not Agassi, because Sampras is also one who yearns to be away from the spotlight.”

“A Kid in one hand and a Tsingtao in the other.”

If racquets were alive, they would definitely not want to land in Safin’s hands, because he is notorious for destroying several a year. Safin confessed during the interview that he has no desire to change this habit and is also incapable of doing so. “But each racquet costs a lot!” the reporter protests. To this, Safin slyly retorts, “It’s sponsored anyway.” Safin’s other habit is beer drinking. Especially Tsingtao. A few years ago in Hong Kong, he was introduced to the beer and was immediately hooked and thus became a loyal Tsingtao supporter. “Many people have urged me to give up drinking. Initially, I was also apprehensive but later, I discovered that drinking beer doesn’t change my physique and so I developed the habit drinking beer everyday.” “I really enjoy tennis because it brings about extreme emotions and allows me to fulfil my dreams. At the same time, it also brings about financial security. But I do not merely yearn for such a life. I’ll let you in on a secret. My greatest dream is to be able to carry a kid in one hand and hold a Tsingtao in the other. Maybe if that day comes, I will finally be able to enjoy life fully.”