I won't play at Oz Open next year: Safin

Melbourne, Jan 24: Former world No. 1 Marat Safin has announced that he won"t be coming back to the Australian Open next year. Russia"s Safin, 28, indicated on Saturday, Jan 24 that he wouldn"t be returning to Melbourne Park in a competitive capacity after his singles loss to Swiss Roger Federer in straight sets.

Fabrice Santoro, 36, also indicated he would not return to Melbourne Park in a competitive capacity after his fall to American Andy Roddick, the Herald Sun reported.

Asked if he would back for the 2010 Open, Safin said: “I doubt it. I really doubt it."“I don"t like this bye, bye part. It"s just a sad story. It"s not for me. I prefer to leave this way, quietly, nice, with a great match," he added.

ANI