Former World no.1 Marat Safin enters tennis Hall of Fame

FORMER WORLD NO.1 and two-time Grand Slam winner, Marat Safin has been nominated into the international tennis Hall of Fame. Safin will be inducted in the class of 2016. 

The mercurial Russian announced his arrival onto the ATP tour by defeating American Legend Pete Sampras to win his maiden Slam at the 2000 US Open. Safin was also seen as Roger Federer’s biggest rival in the early 2000s and also beat him in one of the greatest semi-final matches at the Australian open, en-route to clinching his second Major in 2005. 

The 35 year old was also ranked no.1 in the ATP singles rankings for 9 weeks. Safin relied on his power and had the ability to take the ball early. Although, Safin was regarded as a gifted player with the ability to out-hit his opponents on both flanks, his injuries and temperamental issues bogged him down regularly.

In the end, Safin finished with 15 ATP titles and had a career record of 422-267.

Thrilled and excited to be nominated, Safin told atpworldtour.com, 

"To be part of a Hall of Fame is every athlete's dream. It is a great honor to have my tennis career recognized in this way, and I am proud to represent Russian tennis with this nomination for such a prestigious honor in our sport." 

Indian tennis fans can look forward to watching Safin play in the upcoming International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) in December. Safin will play for the Japan Warriors.