Safin surrenders parliament seat

Former world No 1 and twotime Grand Slam winner Marat Safin announced on Thursday that he was stepping down as a lawmaker in the Russian parliament after six years.

Safin, who retired from tennis in 2009 after winning the 2000 US Open and 2005 Australian Open titles, said that, as a member of the sport’s Hall of Fame, he would not have enough time to carry out his political duties.

“Yes, I sent a request to return my mandate (as an MP),” the 37-year-old said.