If you look at the main draw at Wimbledon this year, there isn’t a single player representing Cyprus. But over on No.2 Court this week, a Cypriot tennis legend showed everyone that he hasn’t lost his magic.
Marcos Baghdatis returned to the famous grass courts for the Gentlemen’s Invitation Doubles on what is the 20-year anniversary of his legendary run to the semi-finals at SW19. Back in 2006, the long-haired, charismatic 21-year-old took the tournament by storm. He shocked a young Andy Murray in straight sets on Centre Court and also beat Lleyton Hewitt in the quarters before eventually losing to Rafael Nadal in the semi final.
Now 41 and long retired from the professional tour, Baghdatis teamed up with Belgium’s Xavier Malisse to play against Colombian duo Juan Sebastián Cabal and Robert Farah.
The Colombians won the match 7-6, 6-4, but the score didn’t really matter. Instead, the four players turned the court into a comedy show. He and Malisse spent the match joking around, doing fake chest-bumps, pretending to fight their opponents, and playfully hitting balls at each other. One of the points was played with Cabal sat down with his legs crossed – and he still won the point, as Baghdatis floated a forehand into the net.
Even with all the jokes, the tennis was still great. Baghdatis showed flashes of the brilliant shot-making and big forehands that once made him a top-10 player in the world.
He might not be playing for trophies anymore, but watching Baghdatis laugh and joke with the crowd reminded everyone why he remains one of the most loved figures in tennis.
