Marat Safin lost to Rafa Nadal 6-3, 6-1 in the quarterfinals of this week’s Beijing Open.
Rafa on Marat: “I am happy for him to have the end the China Open for him like this. So, for the rest, it is important for tennis. Marat is a very important player for tennis, for the fans, so we are going to miss him a lot”
Up next for Safin is a wildcard entry into the Shanghai Masters.
Trophy watch: As a “thank you” for his years of service, the tourney organizers gave Marat a chinese seal carving with his name on it.
(images via Getty Images)
Great photos and great coverage — would have missed this if you hadn’t posted. Seriously, the photos of Safin with Rafa in the background – really touching stuff. THANKS.
Yeah, I love the photos too – it speaks to the respect and professionalism of Rafa for Marat. And I love it the photo of Marat touching Rafa’s face – there’s something brotherly and assured about Marat’s gesture. Thanks!