Safin defeated Pete Sampras in the US Open for his first Grand Slam title. (Allsport)

Safin won the US Open last year defeating Pete Sampras in the finals in straight sets for his first Grand Slam title. He lost only one set during his final four matches.

Safin led the ATP in 2000 with seven titles and became the youngest player to finish at No. 2 in the rankings since a 19-year-old Boris Becker did it in 1986. He also became the first player under the age of 21 to win at least seven titles in a season since 1983. He led the ATP with 73 singles matches won, finals reached (9) and was second in singles matches played (100).

Marat Safin: Hello everyone! I am ready for your questions!

Question: Are you looking foward to the U.S. Open?

Marat Safin: Yes. I plan to try to win it again!

Question: Marat, how is your back feeling? Are you at 100% health wise?

Marat Safin: Yes, my back is fine. I am feeling ok and am ready to play.

Question: Do you still wear the necklace your sister gave you? Does it still give you luck?

Marat Safin: Yes, I do still wear it. But lately I haven't had much luck.

Question: Who's your best friend in tennis?

Marat Safin: My best friend is Golovianov. He plays challenger tournaments. I used to sponsor him.

Question: Has your family remained a big part of your life since you moved to Spain?

Marat Safin: I see my family about every month.

Question: Marat, are you a party animal? Do you enjoy parties and clubs?

Marat Safin: No. Not really anymore. In the past, years ago, when I was younger (haha) I liked parties.

Question: What did you do at the Playboy mansion? Did you like it?

Marat Safin: Yes I liked it. Meeting Hugh Hefner was a big honor for me.

Question: What is the most memorable fan experience you have had?

Marat Safin: I am still waiting for the most memorable one!

Question: Do you already have a name for your future bar?

Marat Safin: The Balcony Club

Question: Have you got a ritual before going on the court?

Marat Safin: I always try not to forget to go to the bathroom before going on the court. That is my ritual.

Question: Marat, what do you do in your spare time?

Marat Safin: I try to have as much fun as I can. I like soccer and taking walks. I like to travel.

Question: Hi Marat, do you feel any pressure knowing that so many people are watching you everyday, and so many children around the world idolize you?

Marat Safin: I love what I do and I like my life and the person that I am. I appreciate the fact there are people who look up to me and like me the way I am. Because of that I try to do my best, on and off the court, to make people happy.

Question: Do you often go on the internet? Do you ever visit the sites for you?

Marat Safin: I just started spending time on the internet. I just got connected. Yes, I have seen some of the sites. But not too many yet.

Question: Do you have any plans of marriage?

Marat Safin: I think I am too young to think about that right now.

Question: If you could take all of us to one place to play tennis, where would that be? Why?

Marat Safin: I would bring you all to New York to play on the courts at the US Open.

Question: Is there a moment in your life that you will always remember ?

Marat Safin: I would pick the 2000 US Open Championship. It does not get any better than that.

Question: Marat, how has tennis impacted your outlook on life?

Marat Safin: I love that my talent in tennis allows me to make a living at something I love and am passionate about. Outside of that I try to live a normal life.

Question: Marat, what was your best match of the year? Your most disappointing match?

Marat Safin: My best match of the year I am waiting for. The worst was against Johansson, a fellow Dunlop Tour player, at Dubai

Question: What is one thing you'd like to tell all your fans?

Marat Safin: I appreciate all of your support. I hope you will be cheering for me at the US Open.