Tennis-Safin tumbles out of Swedish Open, tires of tennis

BASTAD, Sweden, July 15 (Reuters) - Former world number one
Marat Safin tumbled out of the Swedish Open on Wednesday losing
to Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 6-3 7-6 in the first round and said
he was looking forward to a life free from rackets and balls.

Safin, who will retire at the end of the year, is scheduled
to play another eight tournaments.

"I'm tired of the tour, tired of staying at hotels and tired
of travelling...I've had enough now," the Russian said after
having lost the second set tie-break 8-6 on the Swedish clay.

Asked by the Swedish news agency TT if he would be
interested in a coaching career, Safin replied: "I am tired of
everything that has to do with rackets and balls. I want to do
something completely different."

Safin now has a 3-0 losing record against Almagro, all of
the defeats having come on clay.

Tommy Robredo, another Spaniard, began his quest for a third
Swedish Open title by easily beating Australian Peter Luczak 6-2
6-3 in a second round match.

Robredo, a winner here last year and in 2006, faces Russian
Teimuraz Gabashvili in the last eight.

Swede Robin Soderling beat Belgian Kristof Vliegen 6-2 6-3
in another second round match.

(Writing by Oliver Grassman in Stockholm, Editing by Nigel
Hunt)