Dubai: The 2006 Australian Open runner-up Marcos Baghdatis just wants to be himself, whether on the court or off it.
"Each one has a character of his own and his own way of being on court and off it as well. There are a lot of personalities who are involved in different sports. And it is important that sports does have a lot of different personalities so that it can grow and thrive," Baghdatis told media after his 7-6 (3), 6-4 first round win against Frenchman Gilles Simon yesterday.
Making a first-time appearance here, Baghdatis is known for his smooth and relaxed playing style. His main strengths are his powerful backhand along with a natural talent for placement.
He can also make accurate and powerful down-the-line forehands and cross-court forehands on the run. But far more importantly, Baghdatis is famous for relating with the crowd and getting them involved with his game.
"It's not up to me to describe my personality.
"I am just a person who I am and that's the way I grew up," Baghdatis said when asked to describe himself.
Baghdatis's father Christos migrated to Cyprus from Lebanon, his mother is a Greek Cypriot.
It is quite uncommon to have a huge band of vocal supporters egg the Cypriot on especially at the Grand Slams.
Happy person
"That's the way I am on court and off court as well. I am a happy person and that's all there is to it. I am not trying to do anything like I said. I am what I am," the Cypriot added.
Besides his runner-up finish to Roger Federer in 2006, Baghdatis also reached the semifinals at Wimbledon the same year to achieve a career-high ATP ranking of No 8 in the second half of August. But over a period of time he has slipped down the rung to his current No 36.
And yesterday, the 2003 ITF World Junior Tennis Champion was struggling with a reported food poisoning that could most likely rule him out from progressing here if he does not recover in time for the his second round clash either against Swiss Marco Baghdatis or India's Somdev Devvarman today.
"I don't know what will happen. I will first go and see the doctor and then see how I feel. I am happy I am not playing on Tuesday [Yesterday]. That rest is well required at this moment.
"I have the day off and that to me is an advantage to recuperate my stomach. I really cannot say much. I beat Gilles, but if I am not fit then, I can lose to anybody," Baghdatis admitted.
