Rusedski is keen to take on Safin
Greg Rusedski is relishing tomorrow's potential showdown with US Open champion Marat Safin.
The British No 2 stormed through to the third round of the Champions Series in Stuttgart with a 6-2 6-3 win over Argentinian Mariano Puerta.
He labelled the win "one of my best serving performances this year" after a season of injury which has seen him slump to 73rd in the Champions Race.
It was more proof of Rusedski's return to form after last week's run to the quarter-finals in Basle when he beat former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek.
Rusedski hammered down 17 aces and never looked back after breaking Puerta for the first time in the sixth game of the match.
But he admitted he would not know the extent of his improvement until he came up against either Safin or his second round opponent later today, Fabrice Santoro.
Rusedski said: "I'm going in the right direction at the moment,My body and my mind feel good but tomorrow is another great test for me.
" If Safin comes through, I'll be able to answer the question of how far I've got better because he's a great indoor player, US Open champion, a top player in the world. If he doesn't come through then it's another test because it's one I should win."
