In April 2000, Marat Safin was ranked No. 35 in the PIF ATP Rankings with one tour-level title. At just 20 years old, he had shown potential by defeating Andre Agassi and Gustavo Kuerten at Roland Garros in 1998. From April to November of that year, Safin experienced a career-defining run, winning seven titles, including the US Open and two ATP Masters 1000 events. This success propelled him to World No. 1 on November 20, 2000.
Safin reflected on his unexpected rise: “For my background, from where I am coming from, becoming a professional was already good enough,” he said. “Top 100 was already good enough. Top 10 is even incredible. But No. 1, that’s why it was a little bit shocking.”
At the time, Safin became the youngest player to reach No. 1 in PIF ATP Rankings history but has since been surpassed by Carlos Alcaraz and Lleyton Hewitt. He held the top spot for nine weeks over three periods until April 2001.
In the year-end tournament of that season—now known as the Nitto ATP Finals—Safin narrowly missed out on claiming Year-End No. 1 honors when Gustavo Kuerten defeated Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi to win the event.
Safin recalled his time at the top: “Everyone wants to beat you because it’s like, you’re No. 1 or No. 2 in the world,” he said with a smile.
Known for his explosive game and unpredictable matches due to his emotional play style, Safin won a total of fifteen tour-level titles during his career. His last major victory came at the Australian Open in 2005.
Notably, Safin’s sister Dinara Safina also reached No. 1 in PIF WTA Rankings on April 20, 2009—the only instance where siblings have both achieved this ranking.
Safin retired in November 2009 as part of an exclusive group who have reached World No.1 since PIF ATP Rankings began in 1973; only two players taller than him have held this position: Daniil Medvedev and himself.
Reflecting on his career achievements spanning twelve years Safin concluded: “I’m proud of it…you learn more from mistakes than winning situations but it was a beautiful journey for sure.”