Marat Safin predicts what would happen if he played against the current crop of ATP stars

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Marat Safin enjoyed a memorable tennis career, winning two Grand Slam titles as a professional.

The 45-year-old Russian won his first Major at the US Open in 2000, taking down Pete Sampras in the final, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.

Safin ascended to the top spot in the ATP rankings shortly after, reigning as number one for nine total weeks.

Having lost two previous Australian Open finals in 2002 and 2004, Safin finally got his hands on a second Grand Slam title in 2005, when he beat home favorite Lleyton Hewitt in four sets.

He retired in 2009 as one of the greatest Russian players in tennis history, securing 15 titles during his 12-year career.

16 years on, Safin predicts what would happen if he faced off against the best players in men’s tennis today.

Marat Safin says he would ‘win matches before they started’ against modern ATP stars

Ahead of this weekend’s Ultimate Tennis Showdown event in Nimes, France, Safin, Gael Monfils, and Andrey Rublev joked around on the clay, engaging in a hilarious exchange.

“With that character [Safin], with this new generation, him?” said Monfils.

“I would win matches before they started,” replied Safin.

“Start to insult somebody.”

“They would disqualify him for sure,” added Rublev.

Safin was known for his temper during his time on the tour, and was said to have smashed 48 rackets during the 1999 season.

In 2011, the Russian revealed his career total for rackets smashed was 1,055, highlighting his emotional style on the court.

The former world number one will hope his newest student won’t be following his lead on that front as the pair begin their coaching relationship on the clay.

Marat Safin tells Andrey Rublev what he must do for their coaching partnership to work

It was recently announced that Safin will join Rublev’s coaching team for the 2025 clay court season.

During Rublev’s quarterfinal match with Ben Shelton at UTS Nimes, Safin was asked how he thinks he can help the world number nine.

“Well it depends on him, I can show him the road but he needs to walk the road because it’s not going to happen magically,” said Safin.

“You need to work your way.

“I think it’s up to him, let’s see how it goes for the next couple of weeks but I think he’s willing to do it, but for how long, I don’t know.

“You’ll have to ask him the question.”

Rublev got off to a winning start with Safin by his side, as he took down America’s Shelton, 3-1, [18-11], [20-7], [19-7], [11-14].

How well has Andrey Rublev performed so far in 2025?

The Russian number one has struggled for form in 2025, barring one stellar week in Doha for the Qatar Open.

Rublev beat Alex de Minaur, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Jack Draper on his way to the title, as he lifted the trophy high in the Middle East.

• 2025 Qatar Open F – Andrey Rublev beat Jack Draper, 7-5, 5-7, 6-1
• 2025 Qatar Open SF – Andrey Rublev beat Felix Auger-Aliassime, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6
• 2025 Qatar Open QF – Andrey Rublev beat Alex de Minaur, 6-1, 3-6, 7-6
• 2025 Qatar Open 2R – Andrey Rublev beat Nuno Borges, 6-3, 6-4
• 2025 Qatar Open 1R – Andrey Rublev beat Alexander Bublik, 6-3, 6-4

Elsewhere, Rublev has endured a tough time of things, scoring just four wins while suffering seven losses.

Currently riding a three-match losing streak, Rublev sits in 22nd place in the ATP ‘Race to Turin’ as his chances of qualifying for the year-end ATP Finals look slim.

Safin and Rublev will be looking to rise the rankings as soon as possible when they return to ATP Tour action in Monte-Carlo next week.

Rublev won his maiden Masters 1000 crown at the event in 2023 and would no doubt love to repeat that success this time around.

The 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters, featuring Rublev as the number-eight seed, is set to begin on April 7.