Federer vs Safin Epic Tiebreak IN FULL | ATP Finals 2004 Semi-Final

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[@ronimogy1133]

Safin had it all: the built, the strokes, timing , power, and creativity. And he still give it up too early in his heart.

[@ROCKSTAR3291]

Good old days. Now Safin has retired for almost 10 years and Fed is still playing... It's so long ago that I often forget Fed is from the same generation as Safin, Roddick, Nalbandian, Hewitt, Davydenko, Ferrero...

[@Creees]

Yer Safin and Nalbandian went to early. Notice how the one handers like Federer and Lopez are still going but all of the two handers arent just recently retired but long gone. Something about two handers having so much wear and tear on the body

[@Creees]

@@Skiiiiiifreeeeeee its amazing sport tennis. I watched this old video and added in the Safin left foot step on my serve and it has done absolute wonders. Wow was this man talented. I think the dame could be said for Nalbandian, if he trained and dieted more professionally then i think 6 majors would not be farfetched. I think Federer can be very happy Safin and Del Potro had problems with their bodies.

[@gamel692]

Good old days!!!

[@kamaldarif6127]

and Agassi, Sampras, Rafter, Philiposis..

[@Cdlee-oo9hn]

Fed is year younger than safin lol!

[@RandomGuy285]

I love this more than I can even describe. 2 guys playing 1st strike tennis. They're playing to win instead of not to lose.

[@Creees]

How amazing is this

[@LeadershipAlliance]

RandomGuy285 PERFECTLY SAID.

[@fejuncor]

roddick, Blake, Gonzo, Davydenko, Hewitt ... none of them ever had any chance against Federer from 2004-2008, the only ones who were able to offer something and have the talent to face the swiss were Nalbandian and Safin

[@mitchand9]

So in other words they're playing to not lose lol

[@anirbandas673]

@@fejuncor perfectly said

[@미켈란젤리]

Wow Federer forehand back in those days was marvelous.

[@derrickc1353]

yes maybe the best forehand the sport has seen. Jack Kramer said ellsworth vines and some argue Kramer forehand too

[@Emil-Roma]

I keep coming back to this phenomenal tiebreak. Shotmaking, speed, pace, depth, attitude. Too many good things to count.

[@BCL375]

What a talent Marat Safin was. Amazingly clean ball striking. Under achieved big time. But to be so attacking and win consistently is a conflict in itself. Legend!

[@derrickc1353]

yes too bad he was not fully dedicated like nadal or djokovic. Or him and fed would have had a good rivalry in fed's prime years

[@Nill757]

@@derrickc1353He was on top of his game at this point and for a bit longer. Only player in the world in 2004 who could threaten Federer. Later, yeah he got distracted. But do what. Not every player has to play for 20 years.

[@derrickc1353]

@@Nill757 Safin liked to party. He had other interests besides being an all-time great. He could have been an all-time great if he was dedicated to the sport.

[@Nill757]

@@derrickc1353 my point, he was dedicated to the sport, for awhile. The guy was great then, won USO 2000 v Sampras and AO 2005 v Fed, reached #1 ranking 2000. Feds coach Lundgren said Fed only worried about Saffin 03 04 early 05. Everybody forgets him now because of Fed that era. I don’t. If he wanted to do a Borg, chase women drive fast cars after 8 yrs ATP, I don’t really care.

[@derrickc1353]

@@Nill757 Borg got burned out he was dedicated to the sport. Some say he could not handle mcEnroe beating him twice in 1981 which may have been true too.

[@metblvette]

I miss this bang-bang version of tennis. A few more errors but a lot more winners. Now it's all spin and long rallies.

[@abcxyz123]

I agree generally but see some big talents coming up who might assist in changing things... Courts need to remain or change to faster again though

[@PremJay]

they slowed down the court speed

[@poklx1515]

@@PremJay I don't understand though. Seeing awesome winners is way more entertaining I think

[@muccisebastian9300]

Hellow Courts should all be the same hard except for clay tour and grass court that would even ground for servers and baseline players

[@marcc5353]

This! They slowed the game down for TV

[@soheiladam7510]

This generation is the epitome of fun to watch tennis and shotmaking. the best generation ever.

[@srinitaaigaura]

Safin had some SERIOUS power. I mean, the guy's built like a tank. He was hitting deep when he needed to. And the racket smashing. Over 700 in his career, and 87 in one season alone! Wow!

[@bsrussian]

1055!

[@Lil7672]

Man safin was the reason I started watching tennis after h beat fed in the 05 AO SF. Second to none when it comes to rare talent, definitely a big what if in our sport

[@alekseytsoi242]

what if...he got two majors, pretty good for a classic russian head-case(we all are trust me) and a cursed injury history

[@spideyocd]

Safin defeated prime Federer.thars only something that very few people have ever done

[@fejuncor]

@@spideyocd he was the only one. From 2004 to 2007 Federer won all his Grand Slams matches on hard courts.

[@derrickc1353]

yes but monica seles is the biggest what if she did not get stabbed. Strong case for her being the GOAT in the women's game if she does not get stabbed. Plus they changed the grass at wimbledon in 2002 so higher bouncing grass would have helped Seles win wimbledon, but she would have had Williams sisters clijsters henin capriati to deal with. If safin was more committed to the sport he would have pushed the big 3 for a couple years after 2005.

[@thesoccergod]

Well. Second (or third) to Fed (and Nalbandian perhaps), but otherwise, you're not wrong. :)

[@johndematis8331]

Just found myself here after watching Federer's Nitto ATP semifinal against Zverev. It's amazing that 14 years later he's still one of the top players. However, you can see how much more confident his hits were back then, whereas nowadays he is prone to unforced errors. I really wish I paid more attention to tennis back then when I was 11 so I could closely follow this legend's career from the start.

[@andresitofvg]

John Dematis same feeling here.

[@kaziraunakhossain6614]

I didn't even have a TV back then.missed his golden years altogether

[@lamaadministrator2595]

John Dematis I had the same thought! I was 8 back then but I wish I had started following tennis earlier! What an amazing legend Federer is!

[@eggsybenedict7014]

He was never the same after having mononucleosis right before AO 2008. It was a bloody painful year - he wasn't fully fit for months, got bagled by Rafa at Roland Garros, lost the greatest match of all time in Wimbledon, and when things were finally looking up after the Olympics and USO, he had another torturous defeat at the Masters Cup. His back was so bad during that match against Murray that he had to sit down in the line judge's chair between games, but still he fought until the very end. Looking back, that was the year when he lost the aura of invincibility, as well as some of the physical prowess. He still has great legs, especially for his age, but for someone with extraordinary balance and footwork, even just being a little slower is a big hindrance. He also had to change his technique and racquet to preserve his body and keep up with the slower courts and the more powerful baseliners. It's also harder to play in such an aggressive style when his opponents have time to run around pretty much any shot imaginable.

[@alekseytsoi242]

young folks need to realize how INSANE the pure fundamentals of fed have persisted from the beginning of the MONSTERS(marat) to the lame de-clawed versions(zverev, whoever)

[@ЛеонтийФещенко]

I was finished to watch tennis(on TV) , when Marat Safin end his career, but now KZbin take me back in that time, Safin was brilliant, never was boring.

[@jameshunter6289]

Marat 👍 what a legend

[@theslicetennis]

The returning in the tie break is INSANE, I love watching this style of tennis. Also, Safin would easily be Top 10 today if he played in this era. Love it.

[@millathossaindipro2833]

Top 3

[@pham01011990]

No matter who won, this is so enjoyable to watch. Each of them is so adorable in his very own way.

[@paulgarcia9825]

Watching Federer play is a revelation ! He hit shots from any angle, moved like liquid, floated like an angle with wings and hit the ball with demonic force !

[@dharmabumguy1]

Loved that respect at the end from both. They both know how high a level of tennis this was.

[@loveormoney786]

Federer took tennis to an insane level.

[@carlosacevedomazuelo8409]

Those matches among Federer, Safin, Hewitt, Davydenko, Roddick !! they leaded the ATP at the begining of 2000. Amazing generation.

[@heynow1988]

federer was from another planet. now new young guys on internet call weak era to those past days cos they didnt born for see the beggning of tennis... look federer 2000 to 2005 playing all time with number 1 or ex number 1, all champions of atleast 1 gs, best top ten from that moment, nalbandian safin rodick agassi ferrero davydenko (all champions of 1 master 1000). while now the top ten player reach 1 or 2 finals on the whole year... if there is a new weak era is this right now. no top ten players for the last 6 or 7 years.

[@jacklo5530]

safin, when he brought his a game, was the only player back in the early 2000s who could compete against Federer.

[@0tuan]

Jack Lo so was Nalbandian!

[@drewbarton6979]

Not quite, nalbandian still troubled him, and also a guy named nadal who already had a win over fed. But pretty much all the rest of the field Fed was dominant.

[@michelemonfasani9724]

Nalbandian is the best player EVER to haven’t won a slam

[@diggaz2006]

@@michelemonfasani9724 No....!! Rios was.

[@MrTurbo87lx]

Davydenko as well

[@dharmaboy75]

Man I miss Safin. Fun to watch.

[@robertbenton5672]

Safin was great!

[@TTOORROONNTTOOful]

Safin the Man!!!

[@ganz7ful]

I remember watching this and you always felt that Rog was going to win it. Also, Safin had nothing to lose as he had already lost the first set and this was a best of three setter. Safin's finest hour was that fantastic semi against Federer at AO in 2005. What a classic!

[@alekseytsoi242]

THE BEST, i stayed up for it, i was at the time playing probably 4.0 ustpa BS and was so inspired by that match, just fucking poetry in every cadence

[@AJPennyPacker2]

Legend tells that these two are still playing this tiebreak in the Hall of the Tennis Gods.

[@gibbleway]

Safin had the best combination forehand/backhand of a player, with deep settings lunges and early-back swooping strokes. That was missed.

[@saz6950]

safin claims he never improved his performance on his interview after last match with del potro.

[@sunjen11]

wow just found this video. Re-living the moment. I was there ;) . Trully awesome, everybody at the edge of their seats. Got one of those big tennis balls signed by Federer after that match :DDDD

[@thoukisth]

those close ups .... woofff .... Safin was f.... gorgeous

[@masayaototaman]

As far as I know, most best tie break mach.

[@Irfan87]

Best era of tennis, late 90s to mid 2000s, fast courts, good mix of baseline and SnV but most importantly, attacking tennis. Safin was a hell of a player when on form. Hit extremely hard off both wings, great BH, serve and shotmaking. He could have been so much more. Shame he was volatile and injury prone.

[@paulorosa1481]

Fast courts ended in 2001, see wimbledon 2002 final, soooo slow.

[@michelemonfasani9724]

And a lot of people call that era a weak one...

[@aleksamilosevic8792]

@@paulorosa1481 Slow?XD

[@adrianciobanu5856]

Best era 1980/2000

[@Joy-dx2rh]

Everything for entertainment were great during this era Tennis, wwe , Hollywood movies, cricket everything

[@edansossen8383]

Federer golden era....what a thing to watch

[@glarange72]

Safin is the most underrated player ever. He could even serve and volley, return well, great serve, had it all

[@conqururfear]

Guilherme Larangeira yep

[@tyghr]

He's also under accomplished. I love his game when it's on. And he's a big influence on my backhand. Everybody you how talented he is, but he wouldn't put it together consistently enough for a better career.

[@ST-ek6lf]

The last player to frustrate him by aggressive play style .

[@juanestebankruhsanmguel1960]

If he had it all, he would be won Slams at Clay or Grass

[@jajasatorashi136]

He's not really underrated. Everyone knows about his talent. He's rather known as the greatest underachiever.

[@tennisfitapp]

Some don't even remember how well Fed played in those days!

[@mugbhary]

Safin knew he was dealing with a gifted talent .. the camera angle makes the shots even more beautiful . Roger ll always remain the most elegant player .. GOATs might come n go but Roger u r TENNIS

[@rupertgordonii6623]

That's a great way of putting it ✊

[@ronimogy1133]

Roger with endless patience, and calculation.

[@911gpd]

20:15 That series of backhands by Fed... amazing

[@uyenionjack3273]

Just found this video. Safin is amazing during Federer’s prime. Too bad I wasnt a tennis fan yet then.

[@masters.1000]

This was tennis. Shot-makers playing on fast courts.

[@valar_dohaeris7387]

yeah courts are f*cking slow these days, Indian Wells is pretty much clay tbh..

[@danggiang5366]

We have a lot of intelligent players nowadays,they are so smart and they know whenever they have to change their gameplay to win the match.Not like the players in the past who just attack and attack and attack,while the others serve and volley.

[@soheiladam7510]

@@danggiang5366 WTF are you saying. '' intelligent players nowadays'' are u fucking kidding me. Lol

[@gokulyesudoss]

@@danggiang5366 Wow ..u must b drunk :O

[@danggiang5366]

soheil adam yes,they know whenever they have to attack or have to defend,not just attacking.That's why i said"intelligent players".

[@davd1986]

With all due respect to Hewitt, whoever won this match was going to beat him in the final. As Reed (the commentator), said, Federer won five matches in a row against Hewitt leading up to the final and was the best player in the world, and Safin was on a roll himself. He easily beat Hewitt in their previous match and played very well against Federer here, as we see. Two months later, and Safin beat Federer in Australia in one of the best matches of all time. Sadly that was his last title. He picked up a knee injury in early spring in 2005 and was never the same player after that.

[@michelemonfasani9724]

davd1986 yeah when he came back he did some good matches but he was not the same player :-(

[@mindrover777]

Hewitt was way past his prime. And don't get me started on how many times he beat FedEx in his prime , including safin. His prime was during 2001 2002 season, and that was it. And Agassi rightly said in his book, Hewitt - The best shot selector in tennis. He played with pure guts and determination. No disrespect to FedEx or Sarin, both great players. And fast forward to 2014 Sydney final, FedEx beaten again by sheer determination.

[@wimgroart1870]

Safin was marvellous at Wimbledom 2008 against Djokovic!

[@NamTran-xc2ip]

@@mindrover777 past his prime even though he's the same age as safin and fed, ok bud. Fed started to get better in 2002, success in 2003 and peak in the next few years

[@chapanglowang1772]

I used to love Marat Safin so much

[@IAMMOVIN4WARD]

Nice tiebreak. One of the best tennis eras gone by.

[@endorstoi863]

Just passing through on my journey to watch every Federer match.

[@joselefisica]

2004was a Magic Year. Its always amazing to watch the best.

[@shawnn7502]

Man, Safin was my favorite. Ferocious competitor with power from both sides and volcanic personality. Loved the guy. Shame we didn't get to see his woman in this, who was also always a pleasure to see. ONLY the GOAT could see that obvious blown call on match point right in front of him and not go crazy. Supreme class and perseverance.

[@annekothari5518]

If only Serena could learn...

[@alekseytsoi242]

and like his Croatian fore bearer of slavic pride in tennis.....he got his major(s)...that fucking semi or qrt match against fed in 05 is an all timer, mien gotte

[@theaviator1152]

Everything about this event fascinates me. It’s been super interesting to see specifically Federer’s comments on this particular match from ESPN’s headset interview and the “Facing Federer” documentary. He said he’d never played a tiebreak like this in his entire life!

[@karimlazaar9080]

So delightful watching that two hander from Marat, he changes direction with so much ease it's not even fair to the opponent lol the guy in his (short) prime was a beast. Federer here played ridiculous half volleyed shots from the baseline he had no business of making to prevent this from going to the 3rd

[@ThFile]

This is so much better than the actual tennis, the courts seem much faster and there aren’t long slow rallies

[@FloidMr]

Imagine not loving Safin...

[@drewbarton6979]

Imagine being drunk

[@abc92800]

he's got the looks at least

[@fishdrew1111]

I don't know who the lead commentator is here (Cliff Drysdale?) but this is some of the best, most insightful commentary I've ever heard in a tennis match.

[@RobertHurleyJr]

Definitely not Drysdale. Its Jason Goodall and some other dude. I believe Cliff Drysdale commentated this match with Patrick McEnroe and Mary Carillo

[@liubovarista8133]

love of my life.. safin is godlike

[@TheKostja94]

Safin Legend

[@Nill757]

Marat Safin was a great tennis player.

[@FloidMr]

Two months later Safin will take EPIC revenge.

[@ManSizeSextet]

Then Federer will take revenge again in that year at Halle and never lose to Safin again, dropping only one set. Wish they played a lot more often though.

[@Aghoradipathi]

@@ManSizeSextet hahahaha dumb fuck

[@ManSizeSextet]

@@Aghoradipathi big mad or small mad?

[@michelemonfasani9724]

Safin is the only one to have beaten The King during his Kingdom (2004/2007) on slams played on hard surfaces. What an unbelievable achievement. One of the best game EVER and my favourite

[@qzrnuiqntp]

And one of the few to have beaten the previous King during his reign on slams played on hard surfaces (Sampras), with no "help" from his opponent like injuries, lack of energy, or emotional issue s...

[@jga3712]

18:13 missile backhand

[@PLZU81Truth]

Marat Safin 2hand backhand is a masterpiece.

[@deepakmahajan4978]

Tell me how zverev cilic r better than safin the so called strong era players rofl! Safin would run circles around them with so much variety

[@akbarshahzad5780]

I wouldn't go so far as to say he'd run circles around them, but yeah, he was absolutely the equal of Cilic et al. Zverev is young and will improve, with luck he will win more majors than Safin (of course he will not have a Federer equivalent to contend with, i.e., no one in his generation is so good he can deprive all the others of big titles). Another thing about Safin was that, while he was a bit of a wildman and could go on mental walkabout with the loopiest, he was in no way a mental midget. Cilic, Berdych, Tsonga, etc., have the games to beat the best, but are held back by timidity. Safin was a lot of things, but he wasn't timid, and raised his level against top rivals as all great champions do. Of course, one could make the argument that Safin was less intimidated than the Slamless veterans of the past decade only because he wasn't born and raised to fear the mighty Federer, Nadal, Djokovic ... but that's an argument for another day.

[@iamtman1]

They're not better than Safin, Deepak. It's the idiot haters of Fed who's jealousy and ignorance top all.

[@Beechaii2]

Safin was one of the most talented players ever and he underachieved, partly because of his injuries and also lack of commitment unfortunately. But he had a complete game, big serve, powerful baseline game especially his backhands (one of the best) and he was competent at the net.

[@georgemavrides3434]

Spot on. Safin's major drawback was lack of motivation which led to poor training regime and made him even more injury prone. In-form Safin was a better overall player than even Rafa and Nole. He had it all. Big and versatile serve, great from both sites (FH/BH), great shot depth and angles, balance, ability to change direction .. full package.

[@abcxyz123]

Below par training just leads to a lot of underachievement as the big points are often lost due to unconsciously or consciously knowing you didn't do everything to be ready for it. And of course your level of play can will suffer relatively over a long stretch.

[@Creees]

Wow 2 things great things to note. 1. Wow how fast did tennis used to be, they are always complaining about it but wow this is so cool. 2. Jason Goodall is the best commentator ever, so many memories of eating toast watching replays of the paris masters and going to compete in a tournament

[@trenerpotennisu]

What a shot making, miss both, best era ever ❤

[@mpa1931]

Safin was a serious player. People make fun of Federer and the weak era but Safin was definitely not weak.

[@CK-iv1lq]

Dang, we had some good tennis back then! Sampras-Agassi USO 2001, Roddick-El Aynaoui AO 2003, this match, Federer-Safin AO 2005, Agassi-Blake USO 2005, Nadal-Coria Rome 2005, Nadal-Federer Rome 2006, Federer-Nadal Wimbledon 2007, Federer-Nadal Wimbledon 2008, Nadal-Verdasco AO 2009, Federer-Nadal AO 2009, Federer-Haas RG 2009, Federer-Roddick Wimbledon 2009, and Federer-Delpo USO 2009. Such a fun time for tennis fans!

[@masters.1000]

@6e Set No.

[@CK-iv1lq]

@6e Set It may be in your opinion, but I like watching a variety of playstyles substantially better than watching slow tennis all the time

[@CK-iv1lq]

@6e Set Of course! There are plenty of good matches around, but it's not really the players that are in charge of their playstyles right now. The courts all being about the same speed nowadays plays a part in this, but to each their own, right?

[@CK-iv1lq]

@6e Set Really, though, I'm okay with slow surfaces. I'm just not okay with so many surfaces being the same. Agree with you, though

[@cjever6625]

Also dont forget that epic between Baghdatis and Agassi in US Open 2005. It was actually very hard for Baghdatis, which was frequently hampered with cramping.

[@papigringo5692]

Somebody forward this to Serena to let her know how a legend handles an unfavorable call. How old was Fed here, 22?

[@davd1986]

23, but the point still stands.

[@dgaubin]

Legends such as Connors or McEnroe? GMAFB.

[@bsrussian]

davd1986 actually, 24

[@DamaniDanDadar]

@@dgaubin Papigringo, what is your response to dgaubin? Your response will help me determine the real purpose of your remark about Serena. Take all the time you need to think up a good come back :)

[@adamsteele6148]

Weak era my ass. Federer is the GOAT!

[@jajasatorashi136]

Marat could have 7-10 GS titles if he took his tennis career seriously.

[@martinhall932]

Wonder if that commentator has posters of Federer on his bedroom wall

[@jeffreytrenton]

Ceiling, bruh

[@pakorumpa]

Well, he should!

[@TheUsmanify]

RF what a living legend 🐐

[@stacc_962]

A mio parere RF è il più grande di tutti i tempi, ma Safin, se avesse avuto almeno la metà della tenuta mentale di Federer, in quegli anni sarebbe stato il numero uno per molto tempo. Tecnicamente mostruoso!

[@HCaulfield115]

Safin was such a clean ball striker. No clue how he didn’t win more slams

[@angerisdiscipline3913]

The first point summerizes Federer's peak , a pretty solid return and the best forehand of the history of tennis

[@cjever6625]

So Federer's first tournament without the ponytail?

[@ertugrulkorpinar51]

CJ Ever yes

[@joosiej85]

Much better!

[@michelemonfasani9724]

I’ve thought the same!

[@nonshowbizbiker]

It was the start of his no-ponytail/bandana look. But if we're being technical about it, he didn't have a ponytail either in 1998-99.

[@amanpandey2210]

It was us open 2004

[@benthekeeshond545]

Federer is an intelligent and analytical player. He seems to figure out his opponents most of the time. Maybe that is why he is the GOAT or at least one of the best players ever. The Fed will be a very good coach too. On the other hand, Safin had all the tennis skills in the world to become a great player like that of the Fed or Nadal or Novak but too bad for him, he allowed his temper to dictate his performance on the tennis court.

[@14DANESSJ]

Federer literally had to win this match twice to claim the victory!

[@lightkairi07]

wow thanks for sharing ^.^ i miss Safin so much :S

[@stritlit]

Woah? Infant fed? Monster FH fed? This is 2004 alright!

[@exitium194]

Surely not a coincidence that youtube is recommending this after the AUS-GB doubles tiebreak today.

[@hiep-phuongtran7023]

SUPER BOYS.....SAFIN & FEDERER ..!!...

[@MaggieMuggy]

what a player safin is, what a tough mental resilience, force and power to handle the innate jiant of tennis

[@anthonygonzalez9422]

As much as Safin underachieved throughout his career, he was blessed with just as much natural talent. So talented off of both wings with no tactical weaknesses. He could've added so much more drama to that era if it weren't for a short circuit somewhere between the ears.

[@marccvazquez2154]

Magnífico tiebreak, Masters y Federer and Safin

[@Rosario00]

20:17 JAW-DROPPING STUFF

[@elpacino7198]

Old school 😭, Gold days 💔

[@adnandelic5856]

OMG so much mistakes by judges

[@jeresosa9744]

Definitely. At the same time one may think that with hawkeye, this tiebreak would have ended 11-9 and perhaps it wouldnt be remembered

[@mitchand9]

Many*

[@name741]

Wow !Federer with grunt during the 1st serve, dont see so often these days

[@ritakhafizova4300]

О Марат ! Ты супер !

[@FloidMr]

Marat!

[@BigSwo2909]

This tiebreaker gave Safin the belief that he could get to Federer and he did at the 2005 Aus Open. Still say Safin and Del Potro routinely hit some of the deepest ground strokes I’ve ever seen on tour. When they were on they could hit you off the court.

[@MgoUmk]

@20:24 Epic!!

[@valar_dohaeris7387]

yes what a passing shot, gotta love that backhand

[@tswrench]

I stayed up until 3:00 in the morning to watch this live. Lleyton Hewitt took percent 6--1, And it looked as though he would reign in front of his home country. But then, Marat Safin brought the hammer down, winning the next three sets, 6--3, 6--4, 6--4, and thus claimed his 2nd Slam.

[@shmishash]

Safin lives today almost as a sage. Hardly meets with other people. No close friends. No girlfriend. Meditates, spends time in the East. Reads books on self-healing and enlightenment. Does not miss tennis, hardly ever takes a racket.

[@chapanglowang1772]

He is a politician now

[@bobomber]

They hit the ball so much faster back then, now it is all topspin junk

[@Ved_Desai]

yes, thank you, finally someone who gets it

[@Creees]

Yes Safin really struggled when the courts slowed down and the raquets became spin orientated

[@Creees]

This is against the constitution

[@Creees]

This is battery

[@bobomber]

@@-music2023 it's true that they take big swings at the ball to generate spin. Nadal and Thiem would have been clay court specialists in the past. The last three you named are rare examples of players who try to hit penetrating shots even though conditions don't favor that style... credit to you.

[@user-tk3hb6ui2o]

Safin's backhand 🔥💯

[@EmperorsNewWardrobe]

Loads of mini breaks BECAUSE of fantastic returning from both players

[@boringman8673]

Young Federer game can beat anybody game.

[@pierrecupidsjam5722]

this was the prime of federer...... safin got the deadly forehand.... while kuerten has a powerful backhand.... and ofcourse ...sampras has the freestyle.... ..i missed watching them.....

[@nonesthetic]

15:40 "Да блять!"

[@melande-ru7ro]

Federer rocks

[@gauravmalltarlok5354]

I couldn't even tell who was Federer and who was Safin. The two things that told me who Fed was, were his slices and his forehand technique. Pure magic from both sides. Can't believe that they say this was the weak era.

[@ronimogy1133]

Ok, you need to watch more tennis…

[@roberto3752]

King Roger and a Great Player like Marat Safin, for me also a champion even if he won less than his talent.

[@бессоветный]

how long ago it was, but it seems only yesterday...

[@solo-angel]

Two models!

[@RogerBetterer]

21:29 it's clearly out ?

[@joosiej85]

To us yes

[@hacantyapradipta1119]

So was 13:35. Thank goodness for instant replay huh

[@ViaticalTree]

Duh. Hawkeyes showed it out.

[@stoolpigeon4285]

Well spotted- way out

[@niklFIT]

Matches like these used to seem never ending until Isner and Mahut played their Wimbledon 11+ hour marathon going to an unbelievable score of 70:68... But looking back at that match, I am suprised there havent been more marathon matches in Wimbledon, since Isner and Mahut have shown us that if both players have a great serve, aggressive net approaching, poor return and zero long rally ambitions and of course cool nerves and loong stamina, you have the recepy for ultra long matches... I am actually surprised that someone like Karlovic or Isner havent had more long 5th sets, since on grass good 1st serve is the most important weapon...

[@anirbandas673]

My all time favourite player Marat Safin. He possibly was more talented than Federer. It's a shame that he underachieved. The fact that he beat both Sampras (2000) and Federer (2005) on their prime when no one could talks about his abilities. His style his presence and his poise after wining big match all were fantastic.

[@ronimogy1133]

I loved your input, I agree with everything

[@iancxy1805]

2000 sampras was far from his prime though

[@Lifeskeyishappiness]

Federer's first tournament without the ponytail?

[@TJFederer15]

21:26 wow that was way out, linesman must be blind as a bat

[@jajasatorashi136]

Oh wow yes that was out