By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday June 25, 2019
Marcos Baghdatis spent his career keeping his loyal fan base on the edge of their seats. He’ll do it one more time at Wimbledon, then call it a career.
The former World No.8 announced that he’ll end his career at Wimbledon, where he’ll play the 2019 Championships as a wild card and make his 14th and last main draw appearance on the hallowed lawns of SW19.
“I wanted to take the time to write to you all and let you know that this upcoming Wimbledon will be my last tournament as a tennis professional,” the 34-year-old wrote in an Instagram post. “I am extremely grateful to the AELTC for granting me a Main Draw Wild-Card at the All England Club, and giving me a chance to say goodbye to the sport that I love so much and has been such a big part of my life for the last 30+ years.”
Dear All, I wanted to take the time to write to you all and let you know that this upcoming Wimbledon will be my last tournament as a tennis professional. I am extremely grateful to the AELTC for granting me a Main Draw Wild-Card at the All England Club, and giving me a chance to say goodbye to the sport that I love so much and has been such a big part of my life for the last 30+ years. This decision was not an easy one. It has proven tough for me, especially physically, to come back to where I feel like I belong. Even though my mind wants to do it, the limits of my body have prevented me to maintain and play at a consistent high level as I expect from myself. Especially the last two years have been very difficult for me with recurring injuries and pain. Besides that, I have a beautiful wife, two young daughters, and a third child on the way and I could not be more excited to spend more time with all of them at home. Although I am sad to say goodbye to the sport as an active player, I am very excited for the next chapter of my life – I am going to be staying heavily involved in tennis in a number of capacities, so you will continue to see me on the tour. Lastly, there are so many people to thank who have been a part of this incredible journey with me, starting with my family first and for all. To all the people that have helped me become the person and tennis player I am today, I say thank you, especially to my Mum and Dad who supported me since the age of 3 to play tennis. Thank you for always believing in me and pushing me to become better. My team, my close friends, but especially the fans around the world. You made me feel welcome in each and every city and country I have ever been to, and your love, support, and energy is something I will truly miss. Thank you for this amazing run, I can’t wait to give it my all one last time in London! All the best, Marcos #Grateful #Atp #LoveMyFans #thankyou
A post shared by Marcos B a g h d a t i s (@baghdatis_official) on
“This decision was not an easy one. It has proven tough for me, especially physically, to come back to where I feel like I belong,” wrote Baghdatis. “Even though my mind wants to do it, the limits of my body have prevented me to maintain and play at a consistent high level as I expect from myself. Especially the last two years have been very difficult for me with recurring injuries and pain. Besides that, I have a beautiful wife, two young daughters, and a third child on the way and I could not be more excited to spend more time with all of them at home.”
Baghdatis was the first player from Cyprus to claim a Top 100 ranking and he went on to earn 12 consecutive year-end Top 100 finishes as well as reaching the second week of all four majors and claiming 22 Top 10 victories.
He was known for his personality perhaps even more than his tennis. Quick to flash an ear-to-ear smile he approached the game with a light-hearted exuberance that made him a cult hero on the ATP Tour. In Australia, he was embraced by the Greek community wholeheartedly and his matches in Melbourne were known for a rowdy electricity—the place to be on the grounds.
His unseeded run to the final in 2006 was one of the more memorable dark horse runs in Aussie Open history. 20-year-old Baghdatis beat Andy Roddick, Ivan Ljubicic and David Nalbandian in succession to reach the final.
He took the opening set against Roger Federer before falling in four sets.
Baghdatis, who is married to former WTA star Karolina Sprem, is expecting a third child soon. He is also close with rising Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“Although I am sad to say goodbye to the sport as an active player, I am very excited for the next chapter of my life – I am going to be staying heavily involved in tennis in a number of capacities, so you will continue to see me on the tour.”