Question by Noah: Why does Russia keep playing Marat Safin in Davis Cup singles?
Russia has a host of top players – Davydenko, Youzhny, Andreev, Tursonov are all in the top 50. Why would Russia keep having Safin play singles in the Davis cup, given that he hasn’t had impressive results in years, and is currently ranked 87? It can’t be that the other players refused to join the team – they are all on the team. They had Safin play singles 3 times last year, and he’s slated to play two singles matches in this weekend’s rubber, too. What gives?
Answers and Views:
Answer by suvs
safin might be a really inconsistent player but he has been quite consistent in winning davis cup matches.
in the final last to last year he won the decisive 5th rubber.
and even today he justified his position by coming back from 2 sets down to beat a top 10 player berdych.
i think playing for his country gives him a huge rush and he really puts in his all.
on face value one would think its stupid to play him cos he is 1-5 this season but as u might know davis cup is a completely different ball game.
another reason is that since he came back to moscow early he got time to get used to the clay conditions unlike davydenko and some of the others.
i would say that in davis cup atleast playing safin is good.
What do you think? Answer below!
Natalia L says
According to the coach, Marat is well liked, trusted, and respected among Russian players as well as Russians in general. He has had good Davis cup results and is still capable of producing wins as shown by his game against Berdych.
Borgy says
One shouldnt underestimate the talent and power of Marat Safin…he won and that should prove his critics wrong, including me…i was of the opinion that he should retire already but under the present cumstances, he is showing that he still has it if only he would put his heart and mind into it and that he should be healthy and fit enough to play…if he can maintain this form, i see him in contention for at least 3 more years…
Michael N says
What's the problem with picking Safin? He won didn't he? The higher ranked Andreev was the questionable choice, and he lost. They should be glad they chose Safin.
waisonline says
because the davis cup means nothing to most tennis players….and most spectators for that matter.
safin is one of only a few who still cares.