Safin still hopeful despite semi defeat

Men’s Singles Semi-finals: (11) Juan Carlos Ferrero (Spa) bt (2) Marat Safin (Rus) 6-3 6-2 6-4

Beaten semi-finalist Marat Safin admitted his aim was still to become world number one despite being dumped out of the French Open today by Juan Carlos Ferrero.

The 22-year-old Russian was beaten in straight sets, 6-3 6-2 6-4, by a solid Ferrero who will face his compatriot Albert Costa in an all-Spanish final on Sunday.

‘‘Ferrero was simply much better than me,’’ said Safin.

‘‘I could not find my game nor any way to beat him.

‘‘He was too good, too confident and he served very well. I tried to break when I could but obviously it was not enough, he was everywhere.’’

The 2000 US Open champion added: ‘‘But I have two Grand Slams left this year and I think I have a chance to win one again if I remain solid in my game. My goal is still to become world number one.’’

Costa was the first to qualify for the final earlier this afternoon after ousting his friend and best man at his wedding next week, Alex Corretja.

He dominated most of the game, winning the first two sets 6-3 6-4 before suffering a 3-6 setback in the third.

But Costa held his nerve and sealed the match by taking the fourth set 6-3.

He admitted that beating Corretja left him with mixed emotions.

‘‘We are very good friends,’’ he said.

‘‘We know each other well, our wives go shopping together, so it is difficult, but this time it was my turn to win.

‘‘It is difficult to beat Alex because you have to win all the balls,’’ said Costa.

‘‘He plays very hard and he never gives up.’’

He added: ‘‘It is an important victory for me, it is a dream to be in the final of Roland Garros, but it is not going to sink in until I am playing.’’