Wednesday Morning Man: Marat Safin!

I know, I know. Went a little crazy with the photos of Russian tennis star Marat Safin. But I’m just wild about him and sad that he plans to retire from the pro tour at the end of this season. I spent many an afternoon watching him play matches at the UCLA and Indian Wells events but the most fun was watching him out on the practice courts – shirtless. He would draw such a crowd of men and women – all in love with him.

Sexy Safin has had his ups and downs as a player. The downs were many losses to players not nearly as talented as him and more than his share of injuries. Bur the highs were glorious: winning the 2000 US Open by blowing then top-ranked Pete Sampras off the court in one of the finest displays of tennis ever seen. He spent some time as the world number one asnd went on to win the Australian Open in 2005 beating Roger Federer in a heart-stopping five-set semifinal. He helped his country win two Davis Cup titles, reached the semifinals of Wimbledon last year, of the French Open in 2002, and was also the runner-up at the 2002 and 2004 Australian Opens.

Now 29, Safin is doing one last lap around the world tour. If he plays at UCLA this summer, I’ll be there – with my camera!