Former Australian Open finalist, Marcos Baghdatis, is back in Melbourne, Victoria to compete in the Australian Open 2023 Legends competition this week.
As part of his return, the Cypriot tennis player has opened up to The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) about his past successes at the Australian tennis tournament.
Baghdatis won the Australian Open boys’ singles title in 2003 and almost replicated that result in the men’s singles competition three years later, memorably advancing to the Australian Open 2006 final against Roger Federer.
In an interview with the SMH, Baghdatis attributed part of his success to the support of the Greek community in Melbourne.
“From the first moment that I came here, something clicked with the city, with the people, with the fans, I just loved it here,” Baghdatis said.
“They have a big community that follows their Greek athletes.
“This is where I had my best emotions, the best success of my career. To be here on an invitation, there is no way I could have said no. It is an honour to be back.”
The 37-year-old, who made his last Australian Open appearance in 2019, is partnering two-time Grand Slam finalist, Mark Phillippoussis, at this year’s Legends competition.
Baghdatis and Philippoussis will next play Tommy Haas and Radek Stepanek this week.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald.
