Baghdatis Set For First Appearance At Dubai Tennis Championships

-Cypriot star ready to turn on the magic in Dubai -

Dubai, UAE, January 14th, 2007: The Dubai Tennis Championships has captured Cypriot sensation Marcos Baghdatis for next month’s $3 million tennis extravaganza.

The addition of Baghdatis in the Dubai Duty Free Men’s Open is a tremendous coup for an event that already includes the ATP’s top two players, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and further highlights the tournament as one of the biggest sporting events in the Middle East.

Baghdatis captured the attention of the world a year ago when he came from nowhere to reach the final of the Australian Open. And the combination of his passion and infectious grin made him a crowd favourite, not only at home but around the world.

“Marcos Baghdatis is one of the most popular players in the world, and the rapport he generates with the crowd wherever he goes is certain to make him a favourite with everyone,” said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of tournament organisers Dubai Duty Free. “We are excited that he has included Dubai in his busy schedule, and know he will bring great excitement to the biggest tennis event in the Middle East.”

Matches take place at the Dubai Tennis Stadium between 19th February and 3rd March. Play begins with defending champion Justine Henin-Hardenne headlining the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour event, and continues on 26th February with the ATP tournament, when Spain’s Rafael Nadal begins his title defence alongside three-time former champion Roger Federer.

Baghdatis made headlines throughout 2006, but it all began in Melbourne after he had slumped to a first round defeat the week before in Auckland. No-one expected anything from him, but his gallant performances against several of the biggest names in the sport quickly turned him into a superstar.

After overcoming top-calibre opponents such as Andy Roddick, Ivan Ljubicic and David Nalbandian to reach the final of the Australian Open, Baghdatis threatened another major upset when he took the opening set from Roger Federer. And although Federer fought back to claim victory, the amiable Baghdatis remained the star of the tournament.

Later, he went on to reach the quarter-finals of the Masters Series event at Indian Wells, and after a semi-final finish in the Netherlands he marched all the way to the semi-finals at Wimbledon, beating Andy Murray and former champion Lleyton Hewitt along the way.

It was only a matter of time before he claimed his first title, and that came in Beijing in September when he crushed Mario Ancic in straight sets in the final.

Now much more is expected of him than a year ago, but he is prepared for that.

“There is pressure, and I’m just trying to live with it,” said Baghdatis. “That’s the way it is, and every time I go on the court I just try to give my best. I cannot do anything more than that.”

Marcos Baghdatis has already proved that his best can match the best from anyone else, and his fans in Dubai are certain to enjoy watching one of the most charismatic characters in the game.

The Dubai Tennis Championships is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and takes place under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

For further information: John Rynehart, Promoseven Sports Marketing,
(T) +9714 3210008; (M) +971 50 55 96795; john.rynehart@promoseven.com