TENNIS in DEPTH.

Marcos Baghdatis is dreaming of another Australian Open run after ending Juan Martin Del Potro’s Grand Slam return on Thursday. The 2006 runner-up saw off the giant Argentine 6-1 6-3 4-6 6-3 in the final match of the day at Mebourne Park. Cypriot Baghdatis always receives great support from the Greek community in the Victorian captial and they roared him to an impressive victory on the Rod Laver Arena.

Del Potro, playing his first Grand Slam tournament since a serious wrist injury, was unable to cope with the 21st seed in the early stages. Baghdatis’ serve was particularly impressive – he finished with more aces than his big-serving opponent, who had few answers when Baghdatis got his first serve in. The former US Open champion did briefly threaten a fightback when he upped his game in the third set, but Baghdatis regained the initiative in the fourth to set up a last-32 meeting with Jurgen Melzer. Baghdatis told the crowd after his win he had felt the weight of expectation.

“He’s not played many matches and that put a bit of pressure on me, because I was, a bit, the favourite.”

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