Good opportunity for Safin??

[Down_the_line]

Nice win for Safin over Vik today 6-1 6-1 3-6 6-3. This sets up an interesting 2nd round match between him and Nalbandian. Considering Safin's form in his match with Vik and the fact the Nalbandian scraped by Berrer in 5, could this be an opportunity for Safin to go far in the tournament? If he beats Nalbandian, it's either Sweeting or O. Rochus in the third round. However it looks like he could draw Gonzo in the R16....

 

[TacoBellBorderBowl1946]

no... OF COURSE HE"LL GET FAR HE"S MR. CONSISTENT

 

[pound cat]

Never look beyond the next point when Marat's playing. He could win th e final or he could crash in his next match. and it doesn't matter much who he has to play. (although he does hate playing Olivier Rochus...Marat's version of a short Santoro who he hates to play as well)

 

[Zaragoza]

Even if he beats Nalbandian, I doubt he overcomes Rochus consistency. He´s the type of guy who makes Safin crash his racket.

 

[skip1969]

Never look beyond the next point when Marat's playing. He could win th e final or he could crash in his next match. and it doesn't matter much who he has to play . . .

so true. so true. when marat plays, i just pray he doesn't embarrass himself.

 

[Grimjack]

Every hardcourt slam is a great opportunity for Safin. Doesn't matter if he's in form, coming off injury, good draw, bad draw, whatever. He can smoke anybody on this surface on any given day, so he's always a threat at these tournaments.

It's still a hell of a lot more likely he'll melt down and lose in four, with one brilliant set and three complete train wrecks, a barrage of curses, and a broken racquet. But hey, that's Safin for you. As long as he keeps it interesting, he's worth keeping an eye on.

 

[arosen]

I'm sorry but since when playing Nalbandian on hard is a "great opportunity"? Safin has a really tough draw, and given how mental he always is....he needs a miracle. Nalby can go postal sometimes as well.

 

[superman1]

There is absolutely no way to predict this Safin/Nalbandian match. Both guys are mental midgets. I have to give the slight advantage to Safin because Nalbandian is a highly ranked player, and Safin will relish the opportunity to take him out. Safin has had some better results recently, sort of. At least he beat Blake. He looked very good in Washington.

 

[fleabitten]

....Safin/Nalbandian match. Both guys are mental midgets.

WRONG. One Nalbandian's greatest assets is his resiliency. Heeelloooo?

 

[johnkidd]

I'm sorry but since when playing Nalbandian on hard is a "great opportunity"? Safin has a really tough draw, and given how mental he always is....he needs a miracle. Nalby can go postal sometimes as well.

David has been off form most of the summer and I believe battling some nagging injuries. That said he seems to find a way to win many of these matches where it looks like he has no business being on the court. This should be an interesting match.

 

[malakas]

I don't want to think of it ..because I will get excited..and then..Safin will blow it all up by tanking the match while 2 sets ahead.. :roll:
I have learned my lesson.......

 

[IvanYentl]

Never look beyond the next point when Marat's playing. He could win th e final or he could crash in his next match.

I really like Safin, but I have to say I'm getting tired of the whole Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde persona and the way he pretty much tells tennis fans to expect inconsistency on his part. It would be nice if the guy would buckle down and work hard all year, so he could deliver some lasting memories. This is his job after all, why not work hard at it all the time.