Beaten Safin determined to climb back up rankings

NEW YORK, Sep 6 (Reuters) Former world number one Marat Safin believes he is on the right track to climb back up the world rankings despite his defeat by Tommy Haas in the US Open fourth round today.

Safin twice led by a set and was 3-1 up in the deciding tiebreak but 14th seed Haas held his nerve to beat his practise partner 4-6 6-3 2-6 6-2 7-6.

''I had my opportunities unfortunately, that's why I'm a little bit disappointed,'' the 2000 U.S. Open champion said.

''It should have been even (over in) four sets. Everything was on my side and suddenly, it just slipped away. In the tiebreak, two balls that I missed that cost me basically the match.

''I played pretty well but in important moments I didn't do anything special and I missed the opportunities.'' However, the Russian said he was pleased with his progress after a difficult year in which his ranking slipped out of the top 100 for the first time since 1998.

Having returned to the tour in February after six months out with a left knee injury, Safin has struggled to regain top form and arrived at the US Open low on confidence.

But after beating fourth seed David Nalbandian in the second round, he looked close to his best and was only two points away from a place in the quarter-final.

His ranking is set to rise from 104 to around 75 when the new list is released on Monday and with the indoor season coming up -- where Safin is traditionally strong -- his prospects look bright.

''I didn't think that I would beat anybody coming here. The way I played the whole summer was terrible. Couldn't beat basically anybody,'' Safin said.

''(But) if you look at the big picture ... I beat Nalbandian. I was just a few points away against Tommy. So, overall, it's pretty good.

''Right now I'm playing (some) of my best tennis. It was just two points that made the difference (today). It's a lottery. Luck was on his side.'' Over the past few years, Safin's mental state has been the key to his form but the Russian said he believed he can get back towards the top.

''If I continue this way, physically and mentally, I think I can pull it through,'' he said.

''Everything's perfect. I'm moving around without any problems, no pain.'' REUTERS DH PM0204