Safin confident of strong showing

So his rivals were stunned when he knocked out Andy Roddick [Images] and Andre Agassi [Images] on his way to the Open final.

Now number four in the world, Safin is one of those fancied to wrest the title from world number one Roger Federer [Images] this time.

Safin endured a mid-season slump last year but fought back to end 2004 with back-to-back Masters Series titles in Madrid and Paris.

Not even defeats in his three matches at the Hopman Cup in Perth last week could dampen his enthusiasm for his return to Melbourne Park next Monday.

"It's normal, I've just started my year," Safin said of the losses. "It's not possible to play at the same level (now), as I had just finished my year.

"At the end of last year I was playing some of my best tennis (ever). I was probably in my best shape ever, but it takes time to get that back again.

The 24-year-old Safin looked understandably rusty in Perth, having arrived only on the eve of Russia's [Images] first match after staying in Moscow [Images] to accept an award from the Russian government.

Russia went out of the tournament early but, after showing brief glimpses of his best form against Tommy Haas and Guillermo Coria, Safin left happy enough, convinced that he will be a real threat in Melbourne, where he also reached the final in 2002, losing to Thomas Johansson.

"I like the surface there, it suits my game," said Safin who won the U.S. Open in 2000 when he beat Pete Sampras in straight sets.

"It's not really fast, the ball bounces high and for some reason I feel comfortable. Hopefully I'll get a (good) draw there and be able to get through the first couple of matches and do well.

After playing 75 matches in 2004, Safin has decided to pick and choose his events this year.

Instead of playing in Sydney, Auckland or at the eight-man exhibition event in Kooyong this week, he has been spending the time practising at Melbourne Park, including sessions with Briton Tim Henman.

"I've been working hard, so I need some time for my body to adjust to the work that I have done," he said.

"I am playing well and hitting the ball and I'll be okay for the Australian Open."

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