Marat Safin finds Russian "Dream Team" more coachable than he was

Former world No. 1 Marat Safin is enjoying his experience as a coach a lot more than his coaches usually did during his playing days.

Safin is captain of the Russian team at the ATP Cup this week, providing courtside coaching to Daniil Medvedev and Karen Khachanov.

The temperamental two-time grand Slam champion acknowledges he wasn't the easiest player to coach.

“I have to admit, sometimes I was not good at all. A bit better now,” said Safin. “I apologize to my coaches and people who have been around me that I could be sometimes not really good person. But, well, now I understand. Now I can see from a different point of view. I really see it what I could have done better. At least I learned. I learn on my mistakes.”

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But No.5 Medvedev and No. 17 Khachanov are more agreeable pupils, says Safin, who likes their potential.

“I don't lie. When I lie, I'm saying the truth even,” he said with a laugh. "I honestly believe in them, the way they are, because they're close to each other, the players. They play games together, they play cards, they play all the time something, which is good, good vibe in the team.

"This is the key to success. They support each other. They joke around. It's a good atmosphere, which I'm happy about. I want to just be helpful in this atmosphere, not to destroy it. They are the stars of the team and they should be. That's why it's a Dream Team.”

The Russians have won their first two ties in round-robin competition at the ATP Cup.