Former world No 1 Marat Safin will make his ATP Champions Tour debut in Chengdu, China, from October 27-30, organisers said on Friday, as the colourful Russian joins the sport’s old boys club.
Safin, who retired as a professional in 2009 after winning two Grand Slam titles, joins fellow former world No 1 Pete Sampras at the Chengdu event with Mark Philippoussis, Carlos Moya, Thomas Enqvist, Paradorn Srichaphan, Wayne Ferreira and Younes El Aynaoui completing the line-up.
“The Chengdu Open is my first ATP Champions Tour event and I am really looking forward to returning to China and to playing in a new Chinese city, famous for spicy food, friendly people and your giant pandas,” said 31-year-old Safin.
“China has always been a very welcoming destination for me. I have memories of many great matches in Beijing and Shanghai.”
The Champions Tour features former professionals who are over the age of 30.