Marat Safin is playing at Wibledon 2002 in London June 24 - July 7
Monday, June 24, 2002
Marat Safin
def. 7-6, 6-2, 6-3
Cedric Pioline
No.2 Seed Safin Conquers Pioline
Marat Safin, the Russian who is occupying his highest seeding place at Wimbledon as second seed, came through the first round without difficulties against the 1997 runner-up, Cedric Pioline of France. Safin, the former US Open Champion, won their match on No.1 Court , 7-6 (9-7), 6-2, 6-3.
This was an important win for Safin who is appearing at The Championships for the fourth time. Last year he reached the quarter-finals, where he was beaten by the eventual winner, Goran Ivanisevic. Pioline,who turned 33 earlier this month, has been playing at Wimbledon since 1991 and is more than comfortable on grass.
The match reached an early climax in the first set tie-break when Pioline held one set point which Safin saved with a brave volley. Then Safin took the tie-break on his third set point.
"It was a very difficult first round for me," Safin said after the match, "The courts are new and it's a little bit difficult for me to start here and to play well, especially because you are nervous, you have a big opponent, Pioline, and it's difficult to play.
"I think I played well for the first round. I served well. I had some good volleys. Baseline was working very good. So I'm satisfied."
................................................................
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
Second round
Marat Safin
vs.
Christopher Rochos
..............................
Hang around and enjoy it!!
