The Russian Marat Safin retired from tennis at the 2009 Paris Masters and in a recent interview, Novak Djokovic spoke highly of the two-time Grand Slam champion. 'He was one of my role models', Djokovic said. 'He had the same agent as I do, so we got to practice quite often, young ages when I was coming up.

He helped me a lot. For me, I remember the first time I hit with him, one of the first time I hit with him. I was warming him up for his match in Bangkok. It was like four years ago. It was only a 20-minute warmup. I had to change three shirts because I was so nervous.

When you get to play with some of the idols, obviously you get nervous.' Djokovic also added: 'We are missing a lot of his talent, first of all. He's a fantastic player. With the way he was playing for a couple of years that he was No.

1 and winning two, three Grand Slams, playing some of the best tennis that ever could play. He was an all-around player. He had this strong personality. He was fearless. We miss a lot of racquet throwing, screaming. I think the fans love him for that as well.

But he's a fun guy. I talked to him. He said he wants to go mountain climbing I think somewhere in Argentina in January or something like that. So I might join him for a little preparation. No, I'm joking (smiling).' ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal: 'Someone will replace me and Roger Federer'