Adieu, Safin

One cold morning in September 2000, I witnessed live on TV something quite extraordinary. A tall, lanky Mosowite, all of 6 feet 4 had just dispatched off the legendary Pete Sampras with consummate ease. It was a dazzling display and the best I would ever see Safin play.

Marat Safin has been a tennis paradox. An enigma. No one could alternate between brilliance and mediocrity faster than Safin on a tennis court. I still believe that on his day, he could beat the best on any surface. He beat Federer in that famous 2005 Australian Open semi-finals, probably one the best matches between two of the game's most gifted players. He mauled Djokovic in the second round of Wimbledon 2008. Unfortunately, such wins were few and far between for the volatile Russian.

Safin's game had no weaknesses and suited all surfaces. On his good days, he could do it all. He could play the serve and volley or hold his own from the baseline. He had a lethal serve which kept him alive when the chips were down. His two handed backhand was the best in the game and his down the line ripper on that side kept him competitive throughout his career. His forehand, a mild weak side was as erratic as his own temperament and would often desert him on a crucial point.

Safin brought charisma, natural ability and abundant entertainment to the tennis court. His interviews and press conferences were a treat to the ears, sliced with humor and unbridled honesty.

Safin would be missed. He might have underachieved in the eyes of many, but playing in an era of such greatness as Federer and Nadal, Safin would still be remembered for the genius he was and the genius he could have been.