This summer of tennis

My unrivalled favourite tennis player right now has to be Marat Safin, current Aus Open Mens champion. He's recovering from a severe knee injury and it looks as though he may not be able to make it to defend his title in time. So why is Safin so great?

1. The guy has talent. Won his first Grand Slam aged 20, spanking Sampras in 3 sets to win the 2000 US Open. Watching him play is always great due to the variety of shots, power, skill, etc. Unfortunately, a string of injuries, that famous temper, and loss of composure when things don't go his way has led Federer has taken over as the undisputed champ. But when things go his way, he's unstoppable. I had the pleasure of being a spectator where Safin broke Federer's 26-match(?) winning streak by beating him in the semis of the Aus Open and it was awe-inspiring.

2. Never underestimate the power of charm. I don't know if its his (sexy) accent or the way he mangles english, but this guy gives good interview and his brain is a little more on display when you read an interview that's been translated from spanish or russian. He also always manages to get the spectators on his side. This is the guy who killed a moth by stomping it to death in front of a full stadium in his match against Federer and make everyone laugh, and still manage to get those tired spectators to stay to listen to the post-match interview at midnight and then sing him *happy birthday*.

3. For all the charm, he's a little bit scary - watching him break his racquets or chuck a furious spaz at one of his mistakes...you'd hate to be on the receiving end of his fury. Not that I'm saying he'd do that against a person, but I'm thinking to be re-incarnated as one of his racquets or a random sideboard at the side of the court wouldn't be nice.

4. Let's not beat around the bush any longer. His damn good good looks. The curls and smile are boyish. The cheekbones are awesome. I don't think I need to say anything about the body. When Safin and Federer played off for the 2003 Aus Open title, I was as a bbq. All the girls were rooting for Safin, while the guys were backing Federer. That says something.

So talented, so charming, so energetic, so good-looking...this summer of tennis won't be the same if he doesn't make it.