Cyprus tennis star aims for Shanghai qualifier

Cyprus tennis ace Marcos Baghdatis, who rose to international stardom when he reached the final of the Australian Open against Roger Federer in January, wants to be among the eight top players in the world in order to qualify for the Shanghai Open later this year.

Baghdatis, 21, who was speaking after signing an agreement with Societe Generale Cyprus on Wednesday to promote sports and youth activities, said that his aim “for this year was to among the top 40. Now I am in the top ten and I hope to stay there.”

He presently lies sixth in the ATP rankings for men, but is expected not to contest some other events this year.

Last week he helped defeat Egypt 3-2 in a Davis Cup Category B match.

“I play tennis for myself and whenever I can I also play for my country and hope to represent Cyprus in the Beijing Olympics. I always wanted an Olympic medal,” Baghdatis said.

Cyprus tennis federation officials added that there are plans to organise an international tennis meet in Cyprus with “at least two top ten players and at least two top twenty players.”

Baghdatis, who admits to loving football as much as tennis, said that he will play with a mixed team of friends and professionals against his favourite home town club Apollonas on Sunday in a fund-raiser in aid of children with cancer and children with special needs.