Roger Federer, Marat Safin warm up
THE biggest names in world tennis continue to roll into Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open.
Russian powerhouse Marat Safin touched down about 7.30am yesterday.
The charismatic big man ignored the afternoon heat for an extended hit-up with his two-man entourage on Rod Laver Arena.
But he was made to wait by Swiss rival Roger Federer and Australian coach Tony Roach -- the world No. 1 opting for a second training session in as many days.
The pair shook hands and exchanged a few laughs, chatting about recent additions to their global property portfolios and sharing tales of their off-season.
Safin, who became a hero to thousands of male fans at the Open a couple of years ago with his "Safinettes" cheer squad, went topless to catch some rays.
He began with some gentle groundstrokes before turning to Federer.
"Hey, where are you staying?" he asked.
Federer replied: "Here? I'm staying at Crown. You?"
Safin: "The Hyatt."
Federer: "The one with the food court?"
Safin: "Yeah, classy."
Federer: "You love that food court."
The pair, watched by Federer's girlfriend and manager Miroslava Vavrinec, were in good spirits.
Safin opted to blow out the cobwebs with a 90-minute session.
Amelie Mauresmo also arrived yesterday as she enters the final phase of her preparation.
The Frenchwoman will be aiming to defend her 2006 Australian Open title, the first Grand Slam of her career.
Big-hitting American Andy Roddick will arrive today or tomorrow before competing in the Kooyong AAMI Classic from January 10-13.
The Australian Open starts on January 15.
http://www.maratsafin.com.šѹͧǡѹФ
เรื่อง: ҿԹ ŧ Rod Laver Arena 
Thu Jan 04, 2007 7:39 pm
