Marat Safin's days as a member of the Russian parliament are done.
The former No. 1 isn't playing politically-correct word games ahead of his ATP return.
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Safin made a bold vow ahead of his tennis return as Russian captain for the inaugural ATP Cup in January.
"Hopefully we're going to kick some ass to all of these ones," Safin told the media at a London press conference announcing the ATP Cup draw. "I think it's a great start of the year. The guys are pumped, and let's see how it goes."
Nine of the world's Top 10 players are scheduled to play the ATP Cup, which debuts in three Australian cities in January.
Russian No. 1 Daniil Medvedev and Karen Khachanov, the nation's No. 2, asked Safin to captain the Russian squad that includes Evgeny Donskoy. Khachanov grew up looking up to Safin.
Safin, who defeated home favorite Lleyton Hewitt to win the 2005 Australian Open, said the timing of the team competition is ideal preparation for the Australian Open.
The 24-team ATP Cup will be staged January 3-12th, 2020 in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney. The Australian Open begins on January 20th in Melbourne.
"It's a perfect setup for this event at the beginning of the year, so all the guys are already in Australia and they want to start with a good step in the new year," Safin said. "Especially I think that team sports helps a lot to prepare better for the Australian Open so they can practice between them, they are in one spot, and rivals.
"Yeah, quite interesting placement of the event, beginning of the year. I think it's a good choice, good choice."
The two-time Grand Slam champion joined fellow former world No. 1 champions Boris Becker, who will captain Germany, and Thomas Muster, who will lead an Austrian squad that features two-time Roland Garros runner-up Dominic Thiem, meeting the media in London to promote the tournament.
Third-ranked Russia resides in Group D alongside Italy and the United States and will open in Perth.
"You are guaranteed three matches, three matches plus you have two groups are playing in the same spot," Safin said. "So you have a chance to practice your ass off day and night and get ready for the beginning of the season, Australian Open. And to start to win with your team at the beginning of the year, I think it's pretty cool."
Photo credit: Australian Open Facebook