So Long, Marat!

Marat Safin played his final match of his career this evening. He lost to Juan Martin del Potro 6-4 5-7 6-4. The big Russia did well today and put in a solid performance against the 21-year-old Argentine. The US Open and Australian Open champion closed his career with a 422-267 record.

The Parisians gave him a great tribute, and it was nice to see the other players join in the ceremony. His good friends Younes El Aynaoui and Marc Rosset were also on hand for the festivities.

Tennis fans will miss the former world no.1 for his play and charm. His wit and honesty will be sorely missed, and I do not know if any one will be able to fill his shoes. With this gem from yesterday in regards to Andre Agassi’s book, there is really no other player that could sum up what most people are thinking with sounding like a heel:

I'm not defending the ATP, but what he said put it in a delicate position. The ATP allowed him to win a lot of tournaments, a lot of money. It kept his secret. Why does he need to be so cruel with it?

. . . . . .

If he is as fair play as he says he is, he has to go to the end. You know, the ATP has a bank account and he can give the money back if he wants.

Marat will be missed. I just cannot believe he already gone.