LONDON: Enigmatic Russian Marat Safin faces Roger Federer in the Wimbledon semifinals today. Safin’s off-court media performances here have proved to be just as colourful as his on-court heroics:

“The strawberries are too expensive. It’s true. They don’t have enough for dessert. It’s true.” — Safin on the culinary shortcomings of the All England Club.

“S*** happens.” — on becoming the first Russian man to reach the semifinals here since 1973 and on making the last four of any tournament for the first time since 2005.

“I played on Court 11 — it was almost in another club.” — on his low-key first round match against Italian journeyman Fabio Fognini.

“It was so long ago that they still had black and white television.” — on his last semifinal run, three years ago.

“OK. He can sell me some points.” — on being told that Federer thinks it’s ridiculous he has such a low ranking.

“She didn’t send me a charter. That’s why I didn’t come.” — on missing sister Dinara’s debut Grand Slam final at Roland Garros in June.