ATP: Safin:”Nadal more impressive than Federer.”

Marat Safin is convinced that Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will continue to dominate the scene in 2018. The Spanish rider’s performances were particularly appealing to the former world number one.

Much has not changed since Marat Safin finished his glorious career in 2009. The top two in the ranking are still Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal – only in reverse order.

The 37-year-old Russian is certain that this constellation will not change much in the new tennis year,”Nadal and Federer remain in the limelight, and Djokovic will find it difficult. I don’t think he can return to this high level,”Safin told Eurosport.

The new generation around Alexander Zverev is also on the rise, especially the young German has enormous potential:”In two or three years’ time he will be another player. Sascha still sees himself as a junior, but he’s long gone. He just has to keep believing in himself and work hard.”

In general, the game is nowadays more physical and faster than in Safin’s active times. “Nadal impresses me even more than Federer.”

Safin also explained why he came to this conclusion:”Roger has everything to succeed, while Nadal is a real fighter. It’s easier for Federer, even if Nadal’s appearance is often the same for him.”