Russian young gun Karen Khachanov is often compared to Marat Safin - and doesn't mind at all.
In fact, he seems to enjoy it.
Khachanov, who is in action on today at the ASB Classic, is one of the hottest prospects on the ATP tour. The 20-year-old has risen almost 400 places in less than three years and now sits at No53 in the world. He is 1.98m tall and has a huge serve, which has prompted the inevitable comparisons with compatriot Safin.
"Why is it annoying?" said Khachanov, when asked if he was irked by the constant "next Safin" references. "He was one of the best tennis players in Russia, with [Yevgeny] Kafelnikov at the time. He was one of my favourite players that I was watching on TV while I was growing up so I like his game."
Khachanov admits he has modelled his style closely on Safin, who won two grand slams and reached two other major finals.