Former world number one and Australian Open champion Marat Safin has made a notable return to Melbourne Park this week, where he appears to be working with fellow Russian star Andrey Rublev.
A Blast from the Past: The 2002 Final and the 'Safinettes'
The visit comes 24 years after Safin's memorable run to the 2002 men's singles final at the Happy Slam. En route, he defeated tennis greats Pete Sampras, Tommy Haas, and Wayne Ferreira. In the championship match at Rod Laver Arena, he was ultimately defeated by Sweden's Thomas Johansson in four tight sets, with a scoreline of 6-4, 4-6, 4-6, 6-7 (4-7).
While falling short of a second Grand Slam title, Safin created headlines for another reason. Ahead of the final, three glamorous women entered the stands and sat in his VIP players' box. Dubbed the 'Safinettes' by the press, the trio consisted of financial analyst Di Vekosa, Monash University marketing student Anna Gorski, and Moscow-based model Katya Bestojeva.
Vekosa, who was introduced to Safin by Australian player Mark Philippoussis, told media at the time, "I've been watching from the players’ box all tournament. It's great to be able to support him like this." She was quick to add, "Marat's a great guy and really down to earth, but there's nothing going on there."
Safin later broke his silence to The Sydney Morning Herald, insisting, "Let's put it this way, I have nothing to do with these ladies... They are not my types. They were friends of my friends who asked me to get them tickets." The women were not seen in his box the following year.
Redemption and a Champion's Return
Safin's Australian Open story did not end in 2002. After another runner-up finish in 2004, he finally claimed the title in 2005. His legendary path to victory included a straight-sets win over a 14-year-old Novak Djokovic, a monumental five-set semi-final triumph against Roger Federer, and a final victory over Lleyton Hewitt to avenge his previous heartbreaks.
This week, the charismatic former star participated in the Australian Open's new One Point Slam event. He advanced past the first round but was knocked out in his second match by American Frances Tiafoe, humorously proving that talent never fully fades despite a final errant groundstroke.
From Player to Mentor: Coaching Andrey Rublev
More significantly, Safin was later seen on court in a coaching capacity with world number 14 Andrey Rublev. Rublev is set to begin his 2024 campaign against Italy's Matteo Arnaldi in the first round, with a potential second-round clash against either Arthur Cazaux or Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria.
Safin's return to Melbourne Park, shifting from champion competitor to mentor, marks a fascinating new chapter in his enduring connection with the season's first Grand Slam.
