Safin vs. Sampras, 2002 Australian Open 4th Round

[brokenshoelace]

You know, for all the talk about "talent" around these parts, and all the nostalgic videos, I'm genuinely amazed Safin doesn't get more mentions. If we're supposed to marvel at the talent of those who underachieved, here's someone who, despite winning 2 majors, had the game to win many more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVFfTxUCWsQ

Incredible tennis from both, with a lot of variety, something that is missed nowadays. Safin's combination of raw power, great touch and terrific movement, especially for a man his size, was unbelievable. He's the player I miss the most. And yeah, that backhand isn't too shabby either. Definitely one of the greatest backhands in history.

I also feel the match highlights a bit of the struggles that the serve and volley/chip and charge game started to encounter in the modern era, especially against guys who can return so huge, hit incredible passes on the run, and dominate from the baseline...

 

[Kieran]

here's someone who, despite winning 2 majors, had the game to win many more

Especially that one. I mean, Tomas Johanson, FFS. What a wasted opportunity. I rang in sick to work to watch this match and it was a fine one. Very acrimonious, and Sampras was asked about that afterwards and said he had no problem. He almost shoved it into a fifth but a forehand clipped the tape. None of your happy-handsome man-cuddles at the net at the end: defeat hurt Sampras and he looked like somebody kicked his pooch as he walked out of the stadium.

Things opened up for Safin in that tourney and he blew it...

 

[shawnbm]

Just fabulous stuff. Put them on the court now and watch them wreak havoc.

 

[britbox]

You know, for all the talk about "talent" around these parts, and all the nostalgic videos, I'm genuinely amazed Safin doesn't get more mentions. If we're supposed to marvel at the talent of those who underachieved, here's someone who, despite winning 2 majors, had the game to win many more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVFfTxUCWsQ

Incredible tennis from both, with a lot of variety, something that is missed nowadays. Safin's combination of raw power, great touch and terrific movement, especially for a man his size, was unbelievable. He's the player I miss the most. And yeah, that backhand isn't too shabby either. Definitely one of the greatest backhands in history.

I also feel the match highlights a bit of the struggles that the serve and volley/chip and charge game started to encounter in the modern era, especially against guys who can return so huge, hit incredible passes on the run, and dominate from the baseline...

Definitely. He should have had four absolute minimum.

We do tend to overlook his injuries though - he was never the same player from 2006 onward.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Just fabulous stuff. Put them on the court now and watch them wreak havoc.

BS, Safin was the best pure tennis talent we have ever seen at that size .

 

[Moxie]

You know, for all the talk about "talent" around these parts, and all the nostalgic videos, I'm genuinely amazed Safin doesn't get more mentions. If we're supposed to marvel at the talent of those who underachieved, here's someone who, despite winning 2 majors, had the game to win many more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVFfTxUCWsQ

Incredible tennis from both, with a lot of variety, something that is missed nowadays. Safin's combination of raw power, great touch and terrific movement, especially for a man his size, was unbelievable. He's the player I miss the most. And yeah, that backhand isn't too shabby either. Definitely one of the greatest backhands in history.

I also feel the match highlights a bit of the struggles that the serve and volley/chip and charge game started to encounter in the modern era, especially against guys who can return so huge, hit incredible passes on the run, and dominate from the baseline...

Definitely. He should have had four absolute minimum.

We do tend to overlook his injuries though - he was never the same player from 2006 onward.

There were injury lay-offs before, too, I think wrist, around 2003. Then knee, probably after the 2005 AO. (And I don't think the Safinettes helped his cause in the 2002 AO final.) Yes, he clearly could have won more Slams, most especially around '02-'04. And it's worth noting that he never won another tournament after the AO '05. :nono

Just fabulous stuff. Put them on the court now and watch them wreak havoc.

BS, Safin was the best pure tennis talent we have ever seen at that size .

I think he ushered in "tall-man tennis," and is still probably the best of them. Del Potro is the next after him. Safin was the tallest man to win a Major until Juan Martin won the USO.