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Baghdatis makes history
If there's one thing Cyprus is not famous for, it's tennis. But all that might be about to change after the island produced a moment of national history on Monday.
If there's one thing Cyprus is not famous for, it's tennis.
But all that might be about to change after the island better known for its olives and beaches produced a moment of national history at the US Open on Monday.
Marcos Baghdatis, who lists football, music and girls among his hobbies, became the first Cypriot to win a match in the main draw of a grand-slam event when he beat Frenchman Olivier Mutis, the world number 116, 2-6 6-2 6-1 7-5 in the first round.
He'll now face the ultimate test on Wednesday when he takes on top seed and world number one Roger Federer, almost certainly on a showcourt.
Mutis reached the fourth round at the French Open earlier this summer but he had no answer to the talent of the 19-year-old.
Those watching out on Court 17 were treated to a superb display and while Mutis did not look fully fit, Baghdatis showed considerable maturity to come back from a set down.
Baghdatis's star has been on the rise since he made his Davis Cup debut at the age of 14 in 1999.
Now ranked 237, Baghdatis was the ITF Junior World Champion in 2003, won the Australian Open juniors event and also reached the final of the junior tournament at the US Open in both 2002 and 2003.
He showed promise of what was to come this week when he upset another Frenchman, Gregory Carraz, in the first round at the Olympic Games earlier this month.
