Fare thee well, Hippo.
Here’s the deal, I’ve had years when I scoffed at this guy, got frustrated with his ups and downs. I’ve announced to the world many a times that he’s way too overrated for someone with only two slams. But how can you not have a soft spot for this guy?
I’ve already written a shpill on Safin and Santoro’s retirements during the US Open, so I won’t wax lyrical again, except to say that there is no one like him.
Let’s leave on a happy note: Marat Safin moments.
Quotes:
“My friend, there is nothing so sexy as a woman who is angry. Perhaps when she is even throwing things.”
“Two Grand Slams, it’s already something. One Grand Slam, you can win by mistake.”
This is better than sex” – Safin after winning the Davis Cup.
“It’s like love. When you look too hard, you don’t find it. When you let it happen naturally, it comes.” – Marat on how he found his form at the AO 2002.
[Webchat at Indian Wells 2001]
gabrielle: MARAT: Do you find it hard to be a star? Do people recognize you in the street?
Marat_Safin: the stars are only in the skyGirl: “Say something to me Marat!!”
Marat: ” Something.”
And last, but not least, to the Hippo.
“I’m not fighting with myself. Oh, my God. That’s how I am. You know, the story of the hippo? The hippo comes to the monkey and said, listen, I’m not a hippo. So, he paint himself like a zebra. He said but he’s still a hippo. He said but look at you, you’re painted like a zebra but you are a hippo. So then he goes, you know, like I want be a little parrot. So, he put the colours on him and he comes to the monkey and said but, sorry, you are a hippo. So, in the end, you know, he comes and said I’m happy to be a hippo. This is who I am. So, I have to be who I am and he’s happy being a hippo.”
— Marat Safin
Marat next plays an exho in Hong Kong in January 2010.
Masha is also playing that exho in Hong Kong in January.
Please let Marat and Masha play mixed doubles together!!!
I’m laughing at Marat’s web chat. Say SOMETHING to me Marat! lol. He really is a star, isn’t he?
He’s scheduled to play the Copa Argentina exho (Dec 17-20) in Buenos Aires. Really hope to see him there.
One of my favourite moments was how he walked up to a lineswoman (I think it was at Dubai) after a call against him and said, “sweetheart, that point was important for me”. Even she had to laugh…
Who? Daveed or Marat? Is Nalbandian playing Copa Argentina?
Both Marat and David are. At least, that’s the plan. 🙂
AWE. to the SOME.