Just moments after an angry on-court confrontation, Safin was embracing his conqueror Roger Federer and talking of his love for the tournament where he reached three finals, winning in 2005.

"It's the most stupid thing I ever saw in my life," he said of the line judge's foot-fault call during his last night match when he was two sets and 4-1 down in the third-set tie-break.

Safin also confirmed his likely retirement this year, ending a career that began in 1997. "I doubt it, I really doubt it," said the Russian, when asked if he would return next season.

"I don't like this bye-bye part," he added. "It's just a sad story. It's not for me. I prefer to leave this way, quietly, nice, with a great match."

Safin was runner-up to Thomas Johansson in 2002 and was whipped by Federer in 2004 before gaining his revenge over the Swiss in an classic five-set semi-final a year later.

The charismatic 28-year-old went on to beat home favourite Lleyton Hewitt in the final, but earned an enduring place in Australians' hearts nonetheless.

"I had some ups and downs here. One disappointment, another great year, one final against Roger, and then one title I took here beating also Roger and Hewitt," he said.

"So I've been playing some great tennis. So just the whole thing, the whole set-up. The beautiful city, great people."

He described the 2005 semi-final with Federer as a highlight of a career that also includes the 2000 US Open title. "It was one of the greatest matches I ever played in my life," he said.

"For me, to win that match in a semi-final was a huge thing. I never played any better."

Federer also paid warm tribute to the six foot four Russian, who has energised the sport with his unpredictable play and manner.

"I love playing the guy. He brings something different to the tennis world with his character," he said.

"The way he is on court and the way he is off court, he's larger than life. I respect him for what a great competitor he is."

Safin has bounced back from injury to post encouraging results over the past season, reaching last year's Wimbledon semis and the Hopman Cup final this month with sister Dinara Safina.

At the Perth mixed-teams tournament, fans were staggered when he turned up with two black eyes, shrugging it off as a fist-fight in Moscow.

"It was a small problem, I wasn't in the right place at the right time, put it that way," he said, adding that he won the fight.

Safin has compiled 15 titles in 12 seasons, scooping six including the US Open in 2000 as he reached the number one ranking for the first time.