Hall of Fame Live With Marat Safin
With glimpses of the fiery personality he was known for throughout his career, 2-time Major Champion and former World No. 1 Marat Safin connected with Blair Henley in this week’s Hall of Fame Live to discuss his tennis career, his post-tennis focus and his life in quarantine.
Here are three things we learned about 2016 Hall of Famer Marat Safin this week!
1. His incredible achievements sometimes felt overwhelming
Much like his tennis game, his successes on tour came hard and fast. At only 20, Marat bested Pete Sampras to take home the trophy at the US Open, a victory that while great, felt a little lonely. He had a hard time reconciling reaching his goals with where to go once those goals had been met.
There are not many people who can relate to the pressure and fierce competition that follows a World No. 1 ranking and he felt adrift for a while once he reached these great successes.
2. After tennis he’s dedicated his life to finding greater meaning
Marat has focused much of his post-career efforts into expanding his knowledge and taking treks to places like Peru to find connection to life and living. Although he’s currently rooted in place, quarantining in Russia, his thirst for knowledge and wellness continues.
He’s been spending his time learning about intermittent fasting, exercising, studying meditation, and educating himself on expansive topics like astrophysics. Renowned scientist Neil DeGrasse Tyson is one such author and researcher he has been studying.
3. He has some great advice for future generations
When asked what advice he would have for his 12-year-old self, Marat gave a very insightful answer that is applicable to all young people contemplating their future. He indicated that, at 12, he already knew he wanted to play tennis professionally and was lucky to receive a sponsorship at a time of great turmoil in his country.
Although he acknowledges unique circumstances led him down his path, he suggests that everyone growing up with a dream follows their passion, and takes their own desires to heart to help them achieve greatness in whatever they choose to do.
Marat’s impressive career came to a pinnacle with his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2016. He’s grateful to be recognized as an important figure in the important history of the sport and marks his Hall of Fame Induction as one of the most important days in his professional life.
Upcoming Hall of Fame Live Chats
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Hall of Famer Jim Courier, Wednesday, June 10 at 3pm ET on Facebook.
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