Уимблдон-2004 - царство зеленых газонов! Обсудим?

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MOSCOW, June 22 (Reuters) - Former Soviet Wimbledon finalist Alex Metreveli criticised Marat Safin for his lacklustre effort in the grasscourt grand slam’s first round on Tuesday.

Safin was coasting to an easy victory over compatriot Dmitry Tursunov before his form deserted him and he slumped to a 4-6 7-5 6-3 7-6 defeat.

«He (Safin) was playing like he was doing everyone a big favour by being here,» said Metreveli, who is commentating from London for Russian television NTV.

Metreveli, who reached the 1973 Wimbledon final, said that 19th seed Safin should have relished his chance to play at the All England Club.

«He was acting as if he played here every day, it was just ordinary for him,» said the former Soviet champion, who is still the country’s leader in Davis Cup match wins.

Safin, 24, who returned this year from a wrist injury to reach the final of the Australian Open and the last 16 at Roland Garros, looked in fine form for most of the first two sets before his brittle temperament fractured.

The former world number one broke his racket in frustration in the third set, earning a warning from the chair umpire.

As his game collapsed towards the end of the fourth set, Safin simply gave up the fight, losing the tiebreak 7-1.

«It was totally unprofessional on his part,» Metreveli said, summing up Safin’s attitude on court two.