Super Safin sweeps past Djokovic at Wimbledon

Two players embrace each other on Center Court. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Photo Gallery>>(BEIJING, June 26) -- World No. 75 Marat Safin showed why he was once ranked No. 1, stunning No. 3 seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 on Center Court at the All England Club in the second round of Wimbledon on Wednesday.

Safin won his first grand slam tournament at the 2000 U.S. Open but didn't win another until the 2005 Australian Open, falling in ranking to No. 75 in the meantime. For one match, at least, the Super Russian was back to his old form, with a breathtaking victory against the reigning Australia Open champion.

"It's tough. I didn't play great for a long time and I don't remember how it feels. I hope I can go as far as I can and take advantage of confidence that I got from this match," Safin said.

Djokovic, on the otherhand, looked out of form. He committed 10 double faults and at times appeared shocked by Safin's beautiful returns.

"He was just better than me. Safin still has his ups and downs. He's known for his mental instability in some ways. But he's still a great player," Djokovic said after the match.

Safin will get a day off on Thursday, which will give him an opportunity to watch his compatriots play Spain in the Euro 2008 semifinal. Then he will face Andreas Seppi of Italy in the next round at the All England Club.