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...
He was presented with a plaque by the Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria, then mobbed by autograph seekers.
When he arrived at the Brunswick function Baghdatis was immediately swamped by supporters as he walked under a flag of Cyprus past a guard of honour to traditional music.
Girlfriend Camille Neviere was absent, but he was accompanied by brother Petros, who has played Davis Cup tennis with his younger brother for Cyprus...
Baghdatis will go to Sydney to see one of his grandmothers, before flying home to Cyprus where he will receive a homecoming welcome like no other.
It also emerged yesterday the Cypriot Government looks set to give Baghdatis exemption from career-ruining military service when he returns. The Herald Sun understands a decision will be made on Friday.
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