[!GH-9924]

[B]Marat Safin wins his opening match at his farewell event, saving three match points to defeat Thierry Ascione 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3) at the Paris Masters.

Safin next plays Juan Martin del Potro. "I always came here to win but this time, frankly, I don't think I can," said Safin. "I'll just try to finish on a high note and say goodbye to everybody."

"I guess I have to retire and then after a few years I'll write an autobiography with some confessions," he joked.