Two-time Grand Slam winner Marat Safin has been elected to the Russian Parliament, the Duma. In an interview with ATP, the charismatic Russian tennis star said:

“I could go and make commercials left and right and pretend like I am a celebrity, but that is not me. This is a completely new life, a new way of thinking, new way of doing things that’s nothing to do with tennis or sports at all. But the two things definitely have one thing in common and that is that you need to have a character.”

Oh yes, you do have that, Mr Safin! Good luck in your new adventures.

(Photo: Getty Images)

It is not a surprise that I am a big fan of David Nalbandian. Yesterday’s New York Times had a nice article about him, and his obsession and dedication to Davis Cup. You may read the article here. On Friday, Argentina’s Juan Monaco will play Rafael Nadal in the opening singles as Argentine tries to win their first title in four finals. Four-time champion Spain is going for a third victory in four years.