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Holding the world No. 1 ranking for 9 weeks in 2000, this Russian athlete is certainly no push over. He achieved his first Grand Slam title at the 2000 US Open after defeating Pete Sampras in straight sets. Sampras praised him as "the tennis of the future." However, a succession of injuries hindered his progress resulting in Safin missing the majority of the 2003 season. He was infamous for his success at the Australian Open, winning the event in 2005 by defeating the home-country favourite, Lleyton Hewitt, then reaching the final in both 2002 and 2004. Safin has also helped Russia to Davis Cup victories in 2002 and 2006.
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