Former world No 1 Marat Safin tumbled out of the Swedish Open on Wednesday losing to Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 6-3, 7-6 in the first round and said he was looking forward to a life free from rackets and balls.

Safin, who will retire at the end of the year, is scheduled to play another eight tournaments.

"I'm tired of the tour, tired of staying at hotels and tired of travelling...I've had enough now," the Russian said after having lost the second set tie-break 8-6 on the Swedish clay.

Asked by the Swedish news agency TT if he would be interested in a coaching career, Safin replied: "I am tired of everything that has to do with rackets and balls. I want to do something completely different."

Safin now has a 3-0 losing record against Almagro, all of the defeats having come on clay.

(Reuters via China Daily July 17, 2009)