I am proud of everything I have achieved," Safin reflects on his career
Marat Safin became world No. 1 on November 20, 2000, making him the youngest in history at the time, though he has since been surpassed by Carlos Alcaraz and Lleyton Hewitt.
He spent a total of 9 weeks at the top ranking. He recalls: "Given my journey, where I came from, just turning pro was already enough. Being in the Top 100 was already enough.
Being in the Top 10—that’s even unbelievable. But becoming No. 1, that’s why it was a bit shocking.
Everyone wants to beat you because you’re world No. 1 or No. 2, and everyone wants to kick my ass because: ‘Who is this young guy who became world No. 1? We need to take him down?’
I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished. You learn more from your mistakes than from your victories, but it was definitely a great adventure. I think that’s what matters most.
