Safin determined to climb back up rankings

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.

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 US Open champion said.

"It should have been even over in four sets. Everything was on my side and suddenly, it just slipped away."

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.

Safin's ranking is set to rise from 104 to around 75 next week and with the indoor season coming up - where he is traditionally strong - his prospects look bright.

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