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Marat Safin - Mad, Bad and Underperforming?

Barry Millns wonders whether Marat Safin is a talent unfulfilled

For a man who has won 15 titles, including a couple of grand slams, helped Russia to clinch two Davis Cups, been ranked world No.1 and earned more than $13 million in prize money, Marat Safin's career could never be described as a failure. Yet when the mercurial Muscovite finally hangs up his racket (without smashing it) there will probably still be a sense that he could have achieved so much more.

Having spent much of his teens honing his skills on clay in Valencia before turning pro a decade ago, Safin burst onto the scene in 1998 when, as a qualifier making his Grand Slam debut, he beat Andre Agassi in five sets in the first round of the French Open. It was a stunning proclamation of what was to come whenever he decided to apply himself well - powerful and precise serving, booming ground strokes, one of the best two-handed backhands in the game, plus great athleticism for such a tall man.

Two years after upsetting Agassi, Safin crushed Pete Sampras in the final of the US Open in a match which appeared to herald a new era in the men's game. Sampras said afterwards: "Whatever I tried, he had the answers. I give him all the credit because he returned my serve and passed me just about as well as anyone. With his game, as big as he hits the ball, when he's on, he's very, very tough to beat."

But it is not just Safin's tennis skills which have so impressed fans and the media around the world since then. Handsome, articulate and never afraid to show his emotions on court, his playboy lifestyle has also contributed to making him big box office, thousands flocking to see what the 'lovable rogue' will do next - and there lies the rub.

On the one hand, when he is playing brilliantly there's a swagger to his game which is both compelling and intimidating. But on the other, when it does not come so easily for him and his strokes carelessly misfire, frustration quickly preys on his mind and often boils over to his detriment - part of the reason no doubt why he has hired and fired more than 10 coaches in his career!

Following his US Open triumph in 2000 it seemed Safin was destined to win many more majors. But he underestimated Thomas Johansson in the 2002 Australian Open final and two years later, after coming back from a serious wrist injury, finished runner-up there again to Roger Federer.

Then, twelve months later, Safin avenged his loss to the Swiss in a thrilling, five-set semi-final before overcoming Lleyton Hewitt to lift the title. Just turned 25 and seemingly in his prime, the Russian was regarded as the man most likely to break up the Federer-Nadal duopoly which was then taking hold at the top of the game.

But once again, with another (knee) injury undermining his efforts and confidence, things have not worked out that way - a couple of fourth round appearances the best he has achieved in nine grand slams since. As things stand it is difficult to see him going right through another fortnight of best-of-five-set matches again.

Last weekend (for a change of scene) Safin was away mountaineering in Nepal when Russia continued their defence of the Davis Cup title and just managed to beat Germany 3-2 at home in the semi-finals. For so long the talisman of the Russian team, a stress fracture in his left wrist had reportedly forced him out of action for the rest of the season.

But if Russia is to retain the trophy away to USA in December, captain Shamil Tarpischev would dearly love to have an inspired Safin back on his side. And with the latest reports suggesting that the 27 year-old may compete again next month in the Madrid Masters Series, a good run there or in Paris could fire him up for a spectacular finish to what has largely been another indifferent year.