Safin: Don't bet on me at Wimbledon
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Updated: 2001-06-26 09:53

The Russian despatched Austrian qualifier Julian Knowle 6-2 7-5 5-7 6-3 to reach the second round but he admitted he was far from confident after six months blighted by injury.

"I need some time to win some matches. It is difficult to play without confidence at all," he confessed. "I am not playing my very best tennis."

The fourth seed, who is being coached by Sweden's multiple Grand Slam winner Mats Wilander, did not look sharp and he will have to raise his game and improve his concentration if he is to take his appointed place in the semifinals.

Asked what advice he would give to those contemplating a flutter on his chances, Safin said: "Don't do it. No, no, no."

The 21-year-old US Open champion took the first set effortlessly but then his powerful serve and fluid groundstrokes deserted him. His form was patchy, especially in the third set, when Knowle's persistence finally paid off.

But that was the Austrian's sole moment of glory. Safin upped his game a notch to land the fourth set comfortably and win the match in two hours 38 minutes.

Safin was the millennium star last year, winning seven titles and crushing Pete Sampras in the US Open final. It was the first time the American had lost a Grand Slam in straight sets.

Safin earned more than US$3.5 million last year and ended as world number two behind Brazil's Gustavo Kuerten. But elbow and back injuries have plagued him this season.

The towering Russian said his chances were not helped by the balls chosen for Wimbledon.

"The balls this year are a little bit heavy," he said.

"Everybody has problems with their shoulders, with their arm. It is not nice actually to play with these balls. They are like stones."

Safin is renowned for his short fuse -- he has been fined for not trying in Australia and has broken innumerable rackets on court.

He only threw his racket away once in disgust on Monday. Asked if it was harder to break a racket on a grass court, he smiled and said: "I try ... it's very difficult."

"Yeah, I will try definitely. For you I will try."