Baghdatis Feeling the Pressure

From The Australian: Baghdatis battle with heavy load

MARCOS BAGHDATIS is feeling so much pressure from his entourage he is considering changing his training schedule to seek more privacy.

Despite a first-round win over 2003 Australian Open finalist Rainer Schuettler 6-4 2-6 6-3 6-2 that took 2 1/2 hours on Rod Laver Arena yesterday, Baghdatis revealed all was not well.

He dispelled any doubts over his physical fitness, saying the ankle he rolled against Carlos Moya in the Sydney International quarter-finals last week was no problem yesterday.

The problem is from the combined pressure he is feeling from his supporters.

Baghdatis Happy to be Back in Australia

From The Herald Sun: Family first for Baghdatis

The Cypriot sensation has opted to complete his Open preparations at the Sydney International, rather than the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne, so he can visit his large band of relatives in the Harbour city.

"I have lots of cousins here. I don't even know how many," he said.

"About 14 cousins, my grandmother, my uncles...

Baghdatis Looks Back

From The Australian: Baghdatis reflects on best 15 days of his life

Baghdatis will never forget his summer down under in 2006.

"It was one of my best months - even the best 15 days of my life," Baghdatis, 21, said...

The Baghdatis of 2007 is slightly different to the version of last year.

"I tried to work a lot this (northern) winter on my movement on the court, moving into the net and to the ball better. Just trying to move faster and last longer in the point.

"They're the main things I'm working on. And I think with the experience of last year and another good (off-season) program this year, I will maybe play better." ...

Baghdatis Publishes Autobiography

Doesn't anyone tell these 21-year-olds that it just sounds silly when they publish an autobiography?  But I suppose it will be a big seller in Cyprus.

I'm dying to see if Marcos Baghdatis can follow up on his success at last year's Australian Open. 

From ATPtennis.com: Marcos Baghdatis Publishes Book

Baghdatis wrote: "I am twenty one years old, and I have just became one of the best players in the world. This book is my way of thanking the people I love and to talk a little about my life for those who are interested in my career."

Baghdatis and Kuznetsova Win!

Marcos Baghdatis took out Mario Ancic 6-4 6-0 (ouch) for his FIRST ATP TITLE! (yay!) It also moved Baghdatis up to number 8 in the rankings for the race to Shanghai. But what a great comeback from Mario--he did say that he was tired by that last set, and how can you blame him? Here's a match report. And here are interviews pre-the final; watch for post-final interviews to be added soon.

Props to Mario for shaking off the fatigue and playing the doubles final essentially right after losing his singles match--and winning it with Mahesh Bhupathi. Not a bad first week back, huh?

In more predictable news, Sveta Kuznetsova bested Marion Bartoli for her third Bali title. Bartoli claims that Sveta hit a ball straight at her in the warm up and it seemed to shake her up a bit. I find it hard to believe that the Kuze would do any such thing on purpose. She always seems so personable and sanguine in her press conferences, at least. Here's an article about the match.

In other news, lackadaisical Austrian Jurgen Melzer beat Italian Fillipo Volandri for his first career ATP title at the BCR Open in Romania.

Mario's Back, Baby. He's Back.

Mario Ancic's been out for 2 months and has shaken off all the cobwebs in his first week back. He'll face Marcos Baghdatis in the China Open Final. Anjo Mario! (Though it's sort of impossible to root against Marcos, isn't it?)

Ancic is also in the doubles final with Mahesh Bhupathi, v. Beerrer and Carlsen.

Agassi def. Baghdatis!!!

I'll be honest, I didn't think Agassi had a snowball's chance in hell against Baghdatis' groundstrokes, heart and young legs. Was I ever wrong.

23, 000 rowdy fans, 3 3/4 hours, a tenacious Agassi, a resurgent Baghdatis. Agassi losing the 4th set after being up 2 breaks. Marcos cramping. John McEnroe shitting himself in the box. It was  spectacular. Bravo, Andre!

And bravo, Marcos, as well, especially for the impromptu speech about Agassi at the end. New York loves you, and so does everyone else.

Next up for Andre is the other Becker (youngster Benjamin, who took out French veteran Grosjean); and then Roddick potentially. Will Andy take out Andre in a symbolic baton pass? Or will Agassi smack an upstart bitch down? Hmmm.

*Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

No Battle of the Divas in LA

It's sort of a shame, but not terribly surprising. Sharapova's had 2 weeks straight of tennis and it was bound to catch up with her body eventually; and Serena's still rusty. Sharapova looked really all over the place out there, with 40+ unforced errors in the end; and Serena overhit too much.

Well, Jankovic v. Dementieva. I'm going with Lena, but Jankovic has looked sharp out there.

Read 'Unlikely matchup in final'  for match reviews and a description of the possible gamesmanship re: Jankovic-Williams. Here are post-match video interviews with Dementieva and Sharapova.

Wimbledon Semis: The Men

1. Nadal v. Baghdatis
Who would have thought these 2 would make it this far this year? This match marks a real changing of the guard in tennis, as the old grass court elite struggles or retires. Despite Rafa's 7-5 6-0 demolition of Baghdatis on the fast courts at Indian Wells this spring, I think they both have a really good shot. This could be a classic!

2. Federer v. Bjorkman
Though it's nearly impossible to imagine Roger Federer losing to Jonas Bjorkman, I still think that Bjorkman's doubles-enhanced net play and match experience will serve to make this a tougher win for Roger than those over his previous more highly touted opponents. Bjorkman is also under absolutely no pressure and that can always spell trouble.

Here are a couple of articles about the match ups:
Federer, First-timers seek final place / Nadal Eyes Maiden Wimbledon Final / Cyprus looks forward to heroics from Baghdatis / Nadal makes light of surface tension

Baghdatis Captures Hearts

Baghdatis captures hearts with ferocity of assault upon Hewitt
Choice quote: " It has been noted of Baghdatis this week that he “plays with a smile”, which, in the determinedly grim-faced world of tennis, tends to be code for “looks destined to be a massive underachiever” . But it became clear yesterday that the Baghdatis smile emerges only at times of genuine self-amusement and that beneath that white bandana lies a game-face that is ruthlessly and almost permanently serious. Read 'Baghdatis Captures Hearts'

Wimbledon: Men's Quarterfinals Review

Best in Show: Federer d. Ancic 6-4 6-4 6-4
Well, another straight sets win for Roger Federer, with more brilliant play. Ancic played well, but did not do himself justice; John McEnroe was berating him all match for abandoning the net play that had gotten him this far in the tournament. However, perhaps it wouldn't have helped; Roger himself thought he put in "an incredible performance."

Here are a match summary/Roger's interview/Mario's interview.

Upset of the Day: Baghdatis d. Hewitt 6-1 5-7 7-6(5) 6-2
Marcos Baghdatis had some brilliant moments himself in toppling Lleyton Hewitt in 4. He's earned enough points to displace Andy Roddick (News/Posts) and enter the top 10 for the first time. Just gorgeous shotmaking (his forehand has got to be one of the best out there) and his mom is adorable.

Here are a match summary / Hewitt's interview.

Match of the Day: The 3rd seeded Mens' doubles team of Knowles/Nestor took out 8th seeded Aspelin/Perry in the longest doubles match in Grand Slam history. It took 2 days, over 6 hours and FORTY FOUR games in the 5th set to finish this. Bravo! Here are a match report and Knowles/Nestor's interview.

Choke of the Day: Radek Stepanek served for the match at 5-4 in the 4th set and served three double faults. Jonas Bjorkman ended up winning 6-4 in the 5th set. Great effort regardless for the 27 year old Czech, who has never been this far in a major. Bjorkman, at 34, is now the oldest man since Jimmy Connors' 1987 run to reach a Wimbledon semi, and the hardest working man in tennis. He's got a doubles quarterfinal tomorrow and a mixed doubles 3rd round match coming up, too. Last time Bjorkman made a grand slam semi was the 1997 US Open. Here are a match review / Bjorkman's interview.

Biggest Letdown: With 2 rain delays and the marathon length of Bjorkman v. Stepanek, Nadal v. Nieminen had to be postponed until Thursday. It'll be the first match up on court 1.

Factoid of the Day: Mary Carillo let slip that happy couple Radek Stepanek and Martina Hingis were actually childhood sweethearts; they dated in their teens.

What a great day for tennis! Especially after such a dull one yesterday.

Wimbledon Quarterfinals: The Men

1. Federer v. Ancic:  This is supposed to be a date with destiny--can Federer vanquish the last man who defeated him at Wimbledon? Sure, Super Mario's a serious fighter and has a monster serve, but I think we all know the answer here. (Sorry, ancicfan!)

2. Nadal v. Nieminen: Can Rafael Nadal make the finals of Wimbledon? It sure as hell looks like it. I think Rafa really announced himself as a comer on grass at Queen's Club, when he split sets with eventual champ Lleyton Hewitt and then retired with shoulder strain. The most important thing for Rafa at Wimbledon is confidence, and by making the quarters--even with a pretty unintimidating draw, despite Agassi in the 3rd--he's certainly earned some. I think Finland will have to settle for an historic quarterfinal.

3. Hewitt v. Baghdatis: The young upstart or the resurgent veteran? I'm going with Marcos just for the storyline.

4. Bjorkman v. Stepanek. I'll just be watching to see if Hingis shows up in the players' box. Good luck to them both.

Here's Covers.com's odds-based picks.

Wimbledon Round of 16 Review: The Men

Biggest Letdown: Murray v. Baghdatis didn't live up to its billing: Murray (News/Posts) played like a loose cannon; Baghdatis (News/Posts) was solid and won in straight sets. Here are Baghdatis' interview / Murray's interview /Jimmy Connors' breakdown of the match.

Closest Shave: Nieminen v. Tursunov. Finn Jarkko Nieminen took the first two sets; an extremely surly Tursunov (News/Posts) almost willed deja vu, coming back from 2 sets down as he did against Ljubicic in the 3rd round. Nieminen finally closed it out 9-7 in the 5th. Here are a match summary / Nieminen's interview / Tursunov's interview.

Roger Federer (News/Posts) had a routine win over Tomas Berdych, and Rafael Nadal (News/Posts) took out Irakli Labadze and his beer gut in straight sets.

Federer Match Review / Federer Interview / Nadal Match Review

Lleyton Hewitt (News/Posts) took out Spaniard David Ferrer in 4 tough, clay courtish sets; Mario Ancic (News/Posts) edged Novak Djokovic (News/Posts) in 5; Jonas Bjorkman took out his doubles partner Max Mirnyi in 5, and Hingis' boy toy Radek Stepanek took out Fernando Verdasco in 5. Here's a round up of all of these.

Some great tennis on the men's side today!

Wimbledon Day 7 Previews

Here's a bit of good pre-Monday handicapping:

Baghdatis must now face up to the serious business
Good look at Murray and Baghdatis' history in the juniors and Marcos' tournament so far.

Berdych has the talent to ruffle Federer
Federer says he fears Berdych.

Ana Issues Warning to Mauresmo
Did you know they both live in Switzerland?

Also, Matt Cronin at tennisreporters.net has made his Monday picks.

Wimbledon Day 3: Great Wins: Federer, Baghdatis

You can, of course, get all the results and wraps here from wimbledon.org; this post is about the excellent wins of the day.

Federer d. Henman 6-4 6-0 6-2

Well, Federer massacred Timmy Henman on Center Court. Henman played a spirited first set but then Roger dissected him in an absolutely gorgeous butchering. I think Roger is annoyed at all the heat he's been taking about his shaky week at Halle, his brutal draw, and the size of his balls, and he's ready to prove himself by belittling the naysayers and his opponents with dazzling play. Just beautiful to watch today. (He wore the damn jacket again, though--donned it last minute with a wry smile at Tim, lol.). It was almost like interpretive dance--Henman being ritually sacrificed on Center Court in front of a sea of British public. Somehow it was all very fitting. Here's a match summary.

Baghdatis d. Mackin

6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 6-7 (4-7), 7-5, 6-2

More theater from Court 3: 2nd tier Scot Alan Mackin almost had the win of his career as Marcos Baghdatis vomited, struggled with groin and back strains and took multiple injury timeouts during the 4+ hour, epic match. Here's a match summary.

Any other great wins?

All Hail, Halle! Interview Transcripts Online

Like Queen's Club, Halle's also got press conference transcripts up. There's Marat Safin after his loss to Olivier Rochus, Tommy Haas, Marcos Bhagdatis on his first round loss, lots of Federer, and more.

Baghdatis Not Feeling the Pressure, He Says

From Eurosport: Baghdatis ready for Nadal

Marcos Baghdatis will be hoping to repeat his dream run in the Australian Open when he takes on Rafael Nadal in the quarter finals on Friday...

But despite only having played in Marseille - where he crashed out to Croatia's Mario Ancic in the last 32 - since the headline-making run in Melbourne, Baghdatis remains relaxed.

Baghdatis Has More Luck in Soccer Than Murray

From The Daily Record: He's Andy With That Ball Too

TEENAGE tennis star Andy Murray is showing off a different range of ball skills in the California sun.

The new British No1 had some fun on the football pitch with his fellow tennis players after he was knocked out of the Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells...

Cyprus Tennis Federation Claims Credit for Baghdatis' Success

Funny - Marcos Baghdatis' family has talked quite a bit about the lack of support he received from the Cyprus government.  But that isn't stopping the head of the Cyprus Tennis Federation from taking credit for Baghdatis' recent exploits.

From the Electric New Paper: Big tennis dreams

HOW did Cyprus do it?
With a population less than that of Singapore, how did the small eastern Mediterranean island produce a tennis phenomenon in Marcos Baghdatis?...

So, how did this football-mad nation do it?

It all started with a vision Cyprus Tennis Federation (CTF) president Philios Christodoulou had for the sport.

No Army for Baghdatis Until He's 32

Unless he turns out to be Andre Agassi, this should give Marcos Baghdatis more than enough time to concentrate on tennis.   

From the Cyprus Mail: Official seal on Marcos' army postponement

THE CABINET yesterday gave its official seal of approval to the suspension of military service of tennis hero Marcos Baghdatis until he is 32 years old...

The issue of military service had been hanging over Baghdatis since the early days of his career, after he left home at barely 14 to train in France. His family had pleaded with the Defence Ministry on numerous occasions to exempt Baghdatis from the army to pursue his tennis career. With the help of a faction of the media and pressure from his family, he was given suspensions one at a time.

What Marcos Baghdatis Means to Cyprus

It looks like Cyprus is going to go through a "Sania Mirza" phase with Marcos Baghdatis for a while.

From the Cyprus Mail: Why Marcos matters: The importance of being Cypriot

THE LAST half of January may prove to have been the most significant period in terms of the ‘Cyprus Problem’ since the 2004 referendum. Not because of any ‘renewed talks’ (lavish luncheons for the pampered) between bureaucrats on each side of the Green Line; nor because of any new initiatives or interventions from the US, UK or UN; but because an unseeded 20-year old Cypriot tennis player named Marcos Baghdatis advanced to the Australian Open Finals.

It may seem implausible that the affable 20-year old Baghdatis, who has the facial malleability and expressiveness of a stand-up comic, who chastises himself after bad shots with haunted heavenward gazes and who routinely dives after impossible balls, has much to do with the Cyprus Problem – that decades-long bog of barbed wire and army camps, displaced properties and security fears.

Baghdatis Receives Temporary Military Exemption

From the AP: Baghdatis granted temporary exemption from military service

Marcos Baghdatis was granted a temporary exemption from military service with the Cypriot army, allowing him to concentrate on his career.

President Tassos Papadopoulos, who received Baghdatis at his home Sunday, granted the exemption. It is usually compulsory for Cypriot men to enlist after they graduate from high school.

Baghdatis, who became the first Cypriot to play in a Grand Slam final at last week's Australian Open, said it didn't mean he was refusing to serve.

"I believe I should do the army and serve my country," Baghdatis said. "I just need some peace of mind for a few years until my career is finished."

Baghdatis Gets His Hero's Welcome in Cyprus

From Reuters: Baghdatis receives hero's welcome on return

Marcos Baghdatis was greeted by hundreds of cheering fans at Larnaca airport when he returned home to Cyprus following his heroics at the Australian Open.

The 20-year-old fought back the tears as he was reunited with his family for the first time since his defeat by world number one Roger Federer in the Open final on January 29.

"It's very emotional to be back," Baghdatis told the crowd.

"I'm a little overwhelmed and I'm not sure what to say. I'd like to thank all who came and everyone who followed my matches. It was a great experience for me and for our country."

Sydney Hotel Makes the Most of Baghdatis' Visit

Do you suppose Marcos Baghdatis gets paid for something like this?

From e-Travel Blackboard: Marcos Baghdatis joins the champions at Sofitel Wentworth

Many great sporting stars have made the Wentworth Sydney their home during visits to Australia, and the latest is Cypriot tennis giant-killer Marcos Baghdatis.

While he didn’t conquer ice-man Roger Federer in the final of the Australian Open, he was greeted as a champion when he checked into the Sofitel Wentworth for some well-earned R&R before returning to Europe.

Baghdatis Finally Losing Steam

It's not just the two weeks of Grand Slam tennis in Marcos Baghdatis' case - he's still got to survive all of the celebrations:)  I wonder how he'll handle the transition from near total anonymity to worldwide stardom.

From the Sydney Morning Herald: Partied-out: Baghdatis the no-show bridesmaid makes Cyprus pine

LOSING rarely brings as much as it has brought for Marcos Baghdatis.

By just making Sunday's Australian Open final he may get a stay on his compulsory military service, a $420,000 gift from the Cyprus Government and a street named in his honour, and his world ranking has halved, to 27th.

But yesterday he was tired and grumpy on arrival at Sydney Airport, and he was tired and grumpy on arrival at his city hotel.

Baghdatis Given Hero's Sendoff from Australian Cypriot Community

From The Herald Sun: Marcos Baghdatis a 'hometown' hero

AN emotional Marcos Baghdatis broke down last night after the local Cypriot community welcomed him as one of their own.

As he listened to the speeches from Cypriot community leaders on the significance of his run at the Australian Open, he looked to the crowd of 1000 fans with tears in his eyes, breaking down as he spoke.

"I don't know what to say," he said, much like Roger Federer in his victory speech on Sunday night...

Baghdatis' Mother Hospitalized for Minor Surgery

Eventful day for the Baghdatis family.

From Reuters: Baghdatis's mother hospitalised during Open final

The mother of Marcos Baghdatis was recovering from a minor operation on Monday after being taken to hospital during her son's Australian Open final...

The 20-year-old's mother Andri had complained of stomach pains early on Sunday and the pain worsened when she saw her son suffer cramp during the match, said Philios Christodoulou, head of the Cyprus Tennis Federation.

She was taken to a private clinic where doctors diagnosed gall stones.

"She finished watching the match from her hospital bed," Christodoulou told Reuters.

"(Her husband) Christos said it was a minor operation and that there was no need to worry. She has spoken to Marcos and everything is ok."

Baghdatis is expected to receive a hero's welcome when he returns to Cyprus on Friday. He will receive 150,000 Cyprus pounds ($316,300) from the state as a gift from the people and his home town of Limassol plans to name a street after him.

Baghdatis Family Sacrifices Reaping Bittersweet Rewards

From The Telegraph: Family's sacrifice for Baghdatis' success

Six years after he waved a tearful goodbye to his 14-year-old son with the dream that the boy would one day be good enough to reach a Grand Slam tennis final, you would expect Christos Baghdatis to be revelling in the euphoria that is sweeping Cyprus. But beneath the smiles there is also sadness.

Yes, of course he is overjoyed that, at the age of 20, his beloved Marcos should be stepping out at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena for an Australian Open final against Roger Federer. What father could not be proud of that? And yet, just when he should be celebrating his good fortune, the memories of his family's sacrifices come flooding back.

Funny Marcos Baghdatis Videoclip

An Australian reporter does some deep investigative journalism and scouts out the Greek restaurant where Marcos Baghdatis has been eating all week.

From The Age: The Baghdatis souvlaki

Baghdatis Has Been Making an Impression on Tennis People for a Long Time

From The Age: The new star

EVERY year, Patrick Mouratoglou would go to the Le Petits As, an international junior tournament at Tarbes in the south-west of France, to scout talent for his tennis academy in Paris.

He was always looking for something different. Not just another kid who could be very good. One who had those indefinable qualities that might make him the best.

Then, seven years ago, he saw a 13-year-old from Cyprus called Marcos Baghdatis. "There are very few kids in the world who have that something, something that is magic," says Mouratoglou of that first sighting. "But I could see it."

Baghdatis Fans Celebrate

From The Age: Melbourne melts under the charm of Marcos

The match of his life finished just before midnight. Less than three hours later Marcos Baghdatis, the 20-year-old unseeded Cypriot, was rewarding himself with a Greek banquet in downtown Melbourne.

After all, it was 5.30pm Cyprus time and there was celebrating to be done, Cypriot-style.

So rather than retire to his hotel room like other tennis players facing a grand slam final tomorrow might do, Baghdatis ordered a feast of Mediterranean delicacies to share with his entourage, including girlfriend, French model Camille Neviere.

Australian Politicians Get Involved to Get Baghdatis Exempt from Cyprus Military Service

Does anyone doubt for a second that the government of Cyprus will find a way to excuse Marcos Baghdatis from military service?  But all the histrionics are entertaining.  The Aussie politicians are even recruiting Baghdatis for Australian citizenship should Cyprus not exempt him.

From The Herald Sun: Save Marcos

VICTORIA'S top politicians are pushing for Australian Open sensation Marcos Baghdatis to be exempted from a career-ruining two years in the Cypriot armed forces.

"It would be a tragedy if the best player in the history of Cyprus was chopped off to serve two or more years in the army," said Cyprus-born Energy Minister Theo Theophanous.

After talks this week with Mr Theophanous, the High Commissioner for the Republic of Cyprus, Achilleas Antoniades, agreed to ask his Government to release Baghdatis from military service.

The Road to Tennis Stardom for Marcos Baghdatis

From The Herald Sun: Baghs to riches

MARCOS Baghdatis carried little more than a couple of bags, mostly filled with tennis gear, and the wonderment of innocent youth when he left his home in Cyprus seven years ago on a classic boy's own adventure.

At 13 and, with his tennis-mad father's consent, he had put everything else behind him, including his schooling, in a quest to turn his natural gift with a racquet into something far more substantial.

His destination was faraway Paris, where he had received a scholarship to a new tennis academy run by local coach Patrick Mouratoglou.

Marcos Baghdatis' Family

From The Age: Game, set and family for 'ace' Baghdatis

When Greek Cypriot tennis star Marcos Baghdatis plays in Australia he holds an advantage over his overseas rivals - a large contingent of relatives to support him.

Each time he plays, the loudest cheers come from family members from all over Australia who have met up in Melbourne to support him as he plays his way through the Australian Open.

He has uncles in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane, a grandmother in Sydney and cousins around Australia, including one in Melbourne. His uncle, Haysam Sultan, 45, from Perth, said some members of his Australia family had met his nephew in Cyprus. Others such as Mr Sultan, who moved to Australia 30 years ago, met him for the first time when Baghdatis played in Australia last year.

"We were in touch with his dad but we hadn't met Marcos," he said of the nephew who grew up on Cyprus but spent his teen years training in Paris...

Marcos Baghdatis

From The Age: Another banner day for Baghdatis

The joyride goes on, not a freak happening now, but destiny. Surprising Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis will play in the final of the Australian Open after his epic come-from-behind victory over David Nalbandian, the fourth seed, in last night's semi-final. At age 20, and ranked 54, he is among the youngest and lowest-ranked finalists of all - and most joyous.

Who would count him out now? If the early rounds of this tournament were for the taking one at a time, by yesterday he had formed an intention to win the whole damned thing. Stage fright will not be a problem, nor will composure. Last night's match was as much a roller-coaster as the one he rode at Luna Park on an off day earlier this week. He had the stomach for it.