Marcos Baghdatis downs Richard Gasquet to reach the last 16 – London Olympics
Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus advanced a step closer to fulfilling his dream of becoming the first Olympics medallist from his country by beating France’s Richard Gasquet in the second round of the London Games.
The former world number eight defeated his French opponent in twin sets 6-4, 6-4 on Tuesday. It took the Cypriot just an hour and 14 minutes to claim victory in an easy match.
The contest was started in a stable manner by Baghdatis and Gasquet, as they held their serve in the opening eight games to equalise the proceedings at 4-4. The Cypriot put pressure on Gasquet in the following one, as he took a
40-15 lead but the Frenchman put away both break threats to take the points to Deuce. Gasquet got a game point of his own but failed to convert that and then went on to lose it, going down 4-5. Baghdatis did not face any challenge in the 10th, holding
it convincingly to capture the first set 6-4.
The proceedings in the second set were not different from the first, as both players won their serve in the first eight games to level the score at 4-4. This time, Baghdatis snatched a break with ease and made the most of it to
win 6-4.
The Cypriot banged in a total of 14 aces in this second round match. Currently ranked 45th in the world, Baghdatis did not allow the Frenchman to create even a single break opportunity.
A happy Baghdatis said, while talking to the reporters during the post match press conference, "I was serving pretty well. I think I played aggressively, I didn't let Richard play his game and it paid off. It was very emotional
[at the end].”
The 27-year-old is working hard to win a medal at these London Olympics. He added, “I want to thank whoever is up there for giving me the chance to be part of this life. I'm very happy I won today. It was very tough. I'm in the
Round of 16 at an Olympic event and that's an incredible thing for me. I hope I keep going."
Baghdatis will take on the third seed, Andy Murray of Great Britain, in the third round.
On playing Murray, the Cypriot said, "I've played Andy two times on Wimbledon's Centre Court. For sure he's a great player. He will have the upper hand against me, but I'll just go out there and give it a try.”
Baghdatis and Murray have met seven times before, with the Cypriot trailing 3-4 in the head to head series.
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