Baghdatis in top shape for Open

SYDNEY – Marcos Baghdatis says he is in the best shape of his life heading into next week’s Australian Open and ready for another charge at the title he narrowly missed out on last year.

Baghdatis provided the feelgood story of last year’s championship when he came from virtual obscurity to knock over some of the biggest names in tennis and reach the final. The charismatic Cypriot was eventually outclassed by Roger Federer in the decider but proved his fairytale grand slam run was no fluke when he made the semi-finals at Wimbledon and finished the year ranked 12th in the world.Baghdatis is aware of expectations on him to succeed again this year but believes he is in better physical and mental shape than 12 months ago.”I’m more experienced, I’m tougher mentally, my footwork is better,” he told a news conference after beating Czech Jan Hernych at the Sydney International on Wednesday.”I’ve had five weeks preparation …I feel a lot faster, I feel better both physically and mentally.”Baghdatis might have snuck into Melbourne last year under a veil of anonymity but knows he won’t be able to escape the spotlight this time.His run to the final caught the imagination of Melbourne’s large Greek community and his image is featured on a giant advertising billboard welcoming visitors to Melbourne airport.Baghdatis was sporting a new look in Sydney after shaving off his trademark beard but accepts nothing will help him avoid the hype when he arrives in the Victorian state capital later this week.”There is pressure but I’m just trying to live with it,” he said.”That’s just the way it is so I have to try and accept it and try and enjoy it.Every time I go on to the court I just try to fight, to give my best, that’s the only thing you can do.”Nampa-ReutersThe charismatic Cypriot was eventually outclassed by Roger Federer in the decider but proved his fairytale grand slam run was no fluke when he made the semi-finals at Wimbledon and finished the year ranked 12th in the world.Baghdatis is aware of expectations on him to succeed again this year but believes he is in better physical and mental shape than 12 months ago.”I’m more experienced, I’m tougher mentally, my footwork is better,” he told a news conference after beating Czech Jan Hernych at the Sydney International on Wednesday.”I’ve had five weeks preparation …I feel a lot faster, I feel better both physically and mentally.”Baghdatis might have snuck into Melbourne last year under a veil of anonymity but knows he won’t be able to escape the spotlight this time.His run to the final caught the imagination of Melbourne’s large Greek community and his image is featured on a giant advertising billboard welcoming visitors to Melbourne airport.Baghdatis was sporting a new look in Sydney after shaving off his trademark beard but accepts nothing will help him avoid the hype when he arrives in the Victorian state capital later this week.”There is pressure but I’m just trying to live with it,” he said.”That’s just the way it is so I have to try and accept it and try and enjoy it.Every time I go on to the court I just try to fight, to give my best, that’s the only thing you can do.”Nampa-Reuters