Nadia Petrova says she is a big fan of the Andrey Rublev and Marat Safin collaboration, but refused to publicly share any "interesting stories" about the former ATP world No. 1.
Safin, who won the 2000 US Open and the 2005 Australian Open, generally kept a low-key profile after retiring from tennis. That was until he returned to the Tour in April as Rublev's coach.
Before adding Safin to his coaching staff, Rublev revealed that he received advice from the Russian tennis legend while battling major depression in 2024. Since that helped the 28-year-old improve his mental state, he also thought that adding the 45-year-old to his team could help his tennis career.
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Petrova, a former two-time Grand Slam semifinalist and a former world No. 3, is now 43 years old and she started her pro tennis career around the same time as Safin.
During his career, the 2000 US Open champion was known as "tennis' bad boy" and kind of a rebel. Also, he never shied from publicly admitting that he loved to be around women.
Petrova: I cannot reveal any stories... But the girls chased Safin and he was striking
Championat asked Petrova about her thoughts on the Rublev and Safin partnership, and if she could reveal any "interesting stories" about the Russian tennis legend.
"I really like this collaboration. Marat should help Andrey both in his game and in his psychology. And generally, he should ease the tension a bit, take the pressure off Andrey. As for the stories... I can't say anything. He's always kind, smiling, in a good mood, a bit of a hooligan on the court. I really loved watching his matches. He was the face of men's tennis, and of course, girls chased him. A very striking guy," Petrova told Championat.
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Safin's form and results significantly dipped in 2009, and the Russian retired after that season at the age of 29.
