| ..:: ARTICLES ::.. | Safin eyes top spot yet again
Dubai |By Alaric Gomes, Gulf News | 04-03-2004
"It's still a long way to go and Roger Federer is one of the players I will have to deal with if I want to get to the top," Safin told reporters after losing to the Swiss World's No.1 in straight sets on Tuesday night.
But to achieve this goal, Safin will have to be patient and allow the results to come after each passing week. "It's still the beginning of the season and we'll see how it is going after a few months," the 23-year-old Russian added.
Dubai was the sixth time that the two players met and Federer currently enjoys a 5-1 win/loss record against the Russian.
"It's just that I did not have the luck in the tie-break. I had my chances earlier on to break him, but I did not make use of the opportunities that came my way," Safin explained.
"It's not that I am struggling with my confidence or something like that. I don't have any problems at the moment," Safin stated.
A year away from the ATP Tour has changed life and the way he thinks about it for the 6.4-foot Russian. "I just kept away from the game for a full year. I did not touch a racquet for a full seven months. I did not feel like it," he said.
"Making a comeback was more mental than physical. But this break helped me as it gave me a chance to think about life. And I am feeling more motivated now than before," he added. But before anything else, the Russian has to concentrate on the present. "There are a couple of tournaments in the US and I hope to do well there," Safin said.
Besides Federer, the Russian knows that he will have to constantly tussle with other top players like Juan Carlos Ferrero, Leyton Hewitt and Andre Agassi, to name a few.
"The tussle will be between Federer and me, and of course the others will also be there," he said. "Federer is a good player. But I have better chances on clay," Safin remarked with a glint in his eyes considering that the French Open is the next Grand Slam on the calendar where they could possibly meet yet again.
However, for the moment, he does not want to think too far ahead. "Yes, the next three months will be crucial. After Wimbledon, will be a good time to have a fresh look and see how it is going," Safin suggested.
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