Former world no. 1 Marat Safin announced that he will not be back for the next year's Australian Open. He announced his retirement after he lost to Swiss star Roger Federer in straight sets. The world no 2 Swiss sensation defeated Safin with 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 score on Friday (January 23) night. With last night's victory, Roger Federer has beaten Safin ten times.

 

The 36-year-old Fabrice Santoro also announced his retirement after his fall to American Andy Roddick. Santoro said that it is very unlikely that he will return to Melbourne Park in a competitive capacity. The Russian ace, Safin was the winner of 2005 Australian Open. Currently 27-ranked Safin helped Russia to win Davis Cup titles in 2002 and 2006.

 

Marat Safin has won five ATP Tennis Masters Series titles during his career and held the no. 1 position after defeating Pete Sampras in straight sets in the 2000 US Open. It was his first grand slam title.