Birthdate: June 17, 1985
Birthplace: Paramytha, Cyprus
Watch out Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal! At just 22-years-old, this tennis sensation from Cyprus is one of tennis' rising stars!
Growing Up
Born in Cyprus, Marcos Baghdatis began playing tennis when he was just five years old. It didn't take people long to recognize Marcos was a natural when it came to tennis. When he was 13, he moved to France where he attended the prestigious Mouratoglous Tennis Academy in Paris. The school paid off as Marcos became one of the best amateurs in Europe. As an 18 year-old, he won the 2003 ITF World Junior Championship. Almost immediately after that victory, Marcos turned pro and joined the ATP tour.Climb to the Top
Marcos started making noise his first year on the Tour. In the 2004 U.S. Open, he was one of only two players to win a set against Roger Federer - who won it that year. An elbow injury slowed Marcos down in 2005, but he had his breakout-year in 2006. In the 2006 Australian Open, he defeated the second seed, Andy Roddick, in the fourth round and eventually making it to the final - where he fell to Federer. He also made the semifinals at Wimbledon that year.Playing Style
Marcos Baghdatis is known for having a high risk, high reward style of play. He tends to attempt difficult shots that for the most part help him win, but have backfired at times. On the court, he is very relaxed. He has a strong forehand and an equally good backhand. Marcos is not one to hide his emotions. He is a fan favorite because of the enthusiasm he shows when he plays. Since then, he has played decent in the past year. He is currently ranked 17th in the world, but many experts feel he is going to move up considering his great potential.Did U Know?
Marcos Baghdatis Says...
"When I was a kid, I took it (tennis) more like fun. But now it's more like a job. I start to realize it. I wake up every day and I know why I'm here and I know what to work on. It's not like I don't have a coach tell me do that, do that."Related Stories:
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