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It’s a pleasure to be here, says Baghdatis
ABU DHABI - World No 20 Marcos Baghdatis is looking forward to his first appearance in Abu Dhabi and the chance to test himself against some of the best players in the world.
The Cypriot is part of a strong six-man field which will be fighting for the winner-takes-all $250,000 Mubadala World Tennis Championship.
The Mubadala World Tennis Championship runs from Thursday to Saturday and will be played at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex. The Championship kicks off the tennis season.
“It is a great opportunity for me to be here and hopefully play at a great level. Playing against such players makes you learn things and prepare better for the season ahead,” Baghdatis said at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex on Wednesday.
“It is a pleasure to be here and to be playing against these guys. The World No 1 and No 2 players are here and it is a great opportunity for me to play against them,” said Baghdatis, who beat Roger Federer at Indian Wells, where he came back from a 1-4 deficit in the third set and saved three match points. He termed that match as the best win of his career.
Baghdatis was pleased with the season last year and said that was looking to improve his world ranking.
“I had a great year last year. This year, I’m trying to be more consistent and play better in the ATP 1000s. I want to improve my ranking as well,” said Baghdatis, who returned to the top 20 this year after a two-year absence.
He reached the semifinals or better at five events in 2010 including a fifth career ATP World Tour singles title in Sydney. He was once ranked No 8 in the world.
Like anybody else, he hopes to win a Grand Slam. “I hope I can compete for a Grand Slam. I need to try and get to the second week of a Grand Slam and give it a shot,” he said.
And he feels he is in much better shape to mount a challenge.
“I think I’m ready. I’m physically in much better shape. It is all about getting matches under your belt and adapt quicker.
“ I’ve worked a lot on my physical condition with a lot of running and gym work. And I’m feeling pretty good,” said Baghdatis, who beat Tomas Berdych and Rafael Nadal in the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 in Cincinnati.
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