Dubai // It is incredible to think that Marcos Baghdatis is still only 30 years old, such has been the Cypriot’s roller-coaster career.
Having reached No 8 in the world rankings in 2006, and the Australian Open final the same year, Baghdatis seemed to have the tennis world at his feet.
Injuries were to take hold in 2008 which would see his ranking fall to No 151 by 2009, but in typically tenacious Baghdatis style, he fought back to reach No 18 in October 2010.
That would not be the end of the career-threatening setbacks for Baghdatis, though, and by 2014 and after further injuries that resulted in a move down to the Challenger tour, his ranking dropped to No 155.
Last season marked the start of the latest Baghdatis resurgence as he re-entered the world's top 50 and all the fighting spirit he has displayed in his career so far was on show at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Friday evening.
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A set and a break at 3-4 down against Feliciano Lopez in their semi-final, Baghdatis clawed his way back into the match, won the second set tie break before storming to a 3-6, 7-6, 6-1 victory to set up a showdown with world No 4 Stan Wawrinka for the title.
In a tense and entertaining encounter, this was more a battle of wits than a tennis match, and as Lopez unravelled, Baghdatis held firm.
It was an example of mental fortitude that often makes the difference in elite sport, and given his career path, that is something Baghdatis has in abundance.
“It’s been a long road for me the last three, four years,” Baghdatis said. “It’s all about fighting, getting back to where I want to be.
“Last year we set some goals to be top 50. I achieved that, now I’m moving forward.
“I think I have still a lot to improve on, but the most important thing is health-wise I’m very good. I don’t have any injuries and health problems that I had.
“I’m happy I’m back on the court and winning.
“It’s a nice feeling. I’m going to work even harder so it continues.”
Given his crowd-pleasing style and affable personality, Baghdatis has always been a fan favourite, and it proved to be the case at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium last night, with the majority of the support on his side.
“The crowd helped me amazingly,” Baghdatis said. “If the crowd wasn’t here I think maybe Feliciano wouldn’t drop. So they were great.
“A lot of Cypriots, a lot of Lebanese were here. It’s nice to play in Dubai. I’m very happy I’m in the finals.”
Gauging the reaction of the fans, and considering his inspiring battle against adversity, expect Baghdatis to get the lion’s share of the support in today’s final. Beyond the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, every tennis fan will also be rooting for Baghdatis to continue his latest revival.
jturner@thenational.ae
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