Kafelnikov's new mission
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ByEurosport
Published 15/11/2004 at 15:22 GMT
His former coach Larry Stefanki describes Yevgeny Kafelnikov as "a stubborn Russian nut" mirroring the viewpoint of many journalists who dealt with the two-time major champion and Sydney Olympic gold medallist throughout his 11-year professional career, w
So what is the 30-year-old up to now?
Well, he was in Maidstone in the south-east tip of England last week playing in a Poker competition which guarantees the eventual winner $500,000.
Kafelnikov has even hired his compatriot Kirill Gerasimov, professional poker's Rookie of the Year in 2002, to do make him 'king of the cards'.
Apparently he's just as aggressive on the poker table as he was on the tennis court.
So has he retired from the sport that earned him almost $24 million?
"I have retired," he told The Independent of London.
"But I have not officially announced it yet. Some people still think I am just taking a break, but I believe that my time in tennis has gone by.
"Even if I came back, I would have no chance to play at the level I was. Tennis is a young man's sport right now.
"Obviously there are some exceptions, like [Andre] Agassi. He's 34 and still competing, but he's the one and only."
Kafelnikov earned his reputation through hardwork and it is his explanation for retiring that has helped the Moscow public understand his decision.
"When people on the street in Moscow ask why I stopped playing, I say 'because I don't want to see you people crying when I lose'. They understand that."
Now and again though his comments leave fellow players scratching their heads.
Three years ago, the Russian complained that top professional players weren't paid enough. When Agassi heard this, the American said: "He should go buy himself some perspective."
But the outburst did little to diminish his reputation.
To his countrymen-and-women he is the man who donated his $137,000 prize-money after winning the 2001 Kremlin Cup to the families of those killed in a plane crash near his hometown, the Black Sea resort of Sochi.
But perhaps his greatest legacy is inspiring the generation of Russian players at the top of the game today.
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