Safin retains Wilander as coach

Russian player Marat Safin and his Swedish coach Mats Wilander have agreed to continue working together for the first part of next year, at least.

"I have just spoken with Marat and he said they had agreed to stay together at least through the Australian Open," Russian tennis chief Shamil Tarpishchev said on Thursday.

"It remains to be seen if they continue working after that."

Last month Safin said he would decide on whether to retain the former world number one as his coach before the Australian Open which begins on January 14.

"I'd like to continue working with Mats on a regular basis, but it's all depends on his availability," said the former U.S. Open champion, who had a disappointing season in 2001.

"The problem is that he is not always able to travel with me to tournaments, but I hope we can find a solution to it."

This year Safin was a shadow of the player that in 2000 won seven titles -- the most on the ATP Tour -- including a shock straight-sets victory over Pete Sampras in the U.S. Open final.

But Safin said that the cool-headed Swede, winner of eight Grand Slam titles, has a positive influence on his temperamental nature.

"It helps to keep me under control," he said.