The 31-year-old Safin is up for election to the State Duma on Dec. 4. He could join other Russian sports stars, including gold medal-winning gymnast Svetlana Khorkina, in the lower house of the parliament.

Speaking at an ATP Champions Tour event in Chengdu, Safin says he has "a lot to bring and a lot of ideas about things and what to do. I am very committed to it."

Safin adds he might be the "best-looking guy in the Duma, but that's only because all the other guys are over 60."