Safin's record against Top Ten Players.
- Thread starter shawn1122
- Start date
West Coast Ace
G.O.A.T.
Did a few on ATPTennis.com - the head to head feature is nice:
Safin hasn't played Nadal yet
2-0 vs. Blake
2-1 vs. Davydenko
2-2 vs. Ljubicic
4-4 vs. Robredo
6-1 vs. Nalbandian
2-3 vs. Roddick
2-7 vs. Mr. Federer
Safin hasn't played Nadal yet
2-0 vs. Blake
2-1 vs. Davydenko
2-2 vs. Ljubicic
4-4 vs. Robredo
6-1 vs. Nalbandian
2-3 vs. Roddick
2-7 vs. Mr. Federer
I think Safin wants to prove he's the best player in the world when he plays, but he doesn't think he can do that against the lower ranking players and his focus suffers. When he plays against the top ten, he's more focussed and trying to prove himself.
He's also one of the most talented players on tour, so that helps.
He's also one of the most talented players on tour, so that helps.
West Coast Ace
G.O.A.T.
Any proof to the 1st comment? His well documented p*ssy chasing and lack of fitness would make me think he has a funny way of trying to get to #1.ucd_ace said:
The problem is: champions find a way to win when they aren't playing their best. Unfortunately for Safin, he goes nuts when he misses shots he feels he should make and then implodes. Time to stop breaking rackets and learn to control his emotions - he's in his mid-20's...
Don't get me wrong: I like the guy a lot. But unless he really focuses for the next 4-5 years he may go down as one of the wastes of talent ever. With his talent, 2 Slams would be shameful.
Jedi Knight
Rookie
He's going to have a tough road if he wants to go deep. Lots of matches over this next week, he only just finished his 2nd round (and in 5 sets). It'd be nice to see him regain his healthy form, though. Could definitely give a lot of top players a run for their money.
ATXtennisaddict
Hall of Fame
ucd_ace said:
I think there's a lot of truth in what you said. Safin is always playing better when he's playing against real good players. Like you said, "trying to prove himself".
superman1
Legend
He needs some experts to analyze him. A team of psychologists, working with him for 2 weeks straight. I personally feel that he has too many people calling him a huge talent. He figures that he should be able to roll over lowly ranked players in his sleep. He usually wins the first set, then it's all downhill from there. Why? WHY?
He is truly the enigma of this sport.
He is truly the enigma of this sport.
War Safin!
Professional
He's 'The Man'!
(but yeah, I pretty much agree with what everyone has posted! :mrgreen: )
(but yeah, I pretty much agree with what everyone has posted! :mrgreen: )
jelle v
Hall of Fame
You're all talking as if Safin has shown no progression at all in his behaviour on court, as if he is still te man that throws with his rackets etc. etc.
Fact of the matter is that at the Australian Open 2005 he beat Federer in a match that imo was one of the best ever. That whole tournament he played great and with a great composure, always staying calm, not losing his head (nod his racket lol). At that time I actually felt that Safin was going to be the big challenger of Federer and that he had grown mentally. Unfortunately he got injured and that's why he is ranked so low. His convidence must have had a blow. I think that those are the factors why he is ranked so low at moment and results may be disappointing, but imo it has nothing to do with his mental game or something (not any more). I think that he has made the necessary progression in that area.
Fact of the matter is that at the Australian Open 2005 he beat Federer in a match that imo was one of the best ever. That whole tournament he played great and with a great composure, always staying calm, not losing his head (nod his racket lol). At that time I actually felt that Safin was going to be the big challenger of Federer and that he had grown mentally. Unfortunately he got injured and that's why he is ranked so low. His convidence must have had a blow. I think that those are the factors why he is ranked so low at moment and results may be disappointing, but imo it has nothing to do with his mental game or something (not any more). I think that he has made the necessary progression in that area.
jelle v said:
Its not just his tantrums.
Like many people on this board have said before with Safin...
He can play some of the best tennis you have EVER seen in one set but then bomb the next set if not the whole match.
And just like Supe we must then ask WHY????
He is an enigma.
