Hopefully, the Russian will not carry
out that threat as he brings an element
of temperamental unpredictability that
harks back to the days of McEnroe and
Connors.
However, his performances on grass
have to date fallen some way short of
those great names and it is questionable
whether he has the desire to change
that.
What is not in question is Safin's
ability and the fact that he could surely
be a threat at all four Grand Slams
if he wished.
Indeed, he reached the last eight of
Wimbledon as a 20-year-old before losing
to the inspired Goran Ivanisevic.
Safin re-established himself as one
of the very best with victory at the
Australian Open this year, beating Roger
Federer on the way.
But his form then collapsed during
the clay-court season and it is anyone's
guess how he will be feeling at SW19.
He probably doesn't know himself.
