Andrei Olkhovsky, a well-known former Russian tennis player who competed in doubles deep into Grand Slam semifinals, spoke to socialbites.ca about Roman Safiullin. The 26-year-old has a genuine path to progress and could become one of the world’s top players. The conversation highlighted Safiullin’s potential to join the upper echelons of men’s tennis, with many observers noting his growing skill set and competitive mindset that suits the modern game.
Olkhovsky emphasized that Safiullin has a real shot at breaking into tennis’ elite circle. “At 26, he is at an age where many players set the foundation for a lasting career rather than a fleeting surge,” he explained. He pointed to historical examples to illustrate the point. If we look at Thomas Johansson, the Swedish champion who captured the Australian Open title, his peak came in his late 20s to around 30. Similarly, Andres Gomez achieved his Grand Slam triumph at about 30, demonstrating that late bloomers can reach the summit. Olkhovsky argued that these cases show the sport’s timeline is not fixed and that some players reach their peak later, provided they stay focused and adapt their game as the tour evolves.
Safiullin has shown notable growth this season, achieving a remarkable increase in success at the ATP level. He has won as many matches this year as he did over the previous eight seasons combined, a clear signal of his elevated form and the depth of his improvement. This surge in results has helped him climb to a personal best in the rankings, reaching a peak within the top 50 during the year. At present, he sits at the 50th spot in the world rankings, a position that reflects both his perseverance and his ability to compete against a wide range of opponents on the global tour. The momentum suggests that Safiullin is not simply riding a current good run; it is the sign of a player who has found the elements needed to sustain progress on a demanding circuit, including tactical versatility, mental resilience, and an increased capacity to win important points on big stages.
As for other notable developments in the Russian tennis scene, Kasatkina’s recent exit from the US Open drew attention from analysts and fans alike. While some observers anticipated a tough run for Kasatkina in New York, Olkhovsky made a candid assessment: the result, though disappointing for supporters, was not entirely surprising given the level of competition and the demands of Grand Slam tournaments. The broader takeaway is that Russian players remain capable of competing at the highest levels, and their performances continue to contribute to the overall strength and depth of the sport in the region. Such outcomes reinforce the sense that breakthroughs can come at any stage, depending on preparation, form, and the ability to adapt under pressure on the tour’s biggest stages.