Baghdatis Ends Andy’s Aussie Open

On a day when it seemed Marcos Baghdatis could not miss, Andy Roddick bowed out of the Australian Open, losing to the Cypriot 6-4, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4. It was scorching temperatures in Melbourne today, and although the Rod Laver roof was shut, Andy was feeling the Baghdatis heat.

The twenty year old Cypriot needed three games to score a point off the American’s serve, but when he did, he was able to sneak a break taking a 4-3 lead in the first set. Baghdatis sent his popular support group into frenzy as he continued with his strong, penetrating play to take the first set 6-4.

Andy hit back hard in the second set racing to a 5-0 lead. Baghdatis worked tirelessly for his one game in that set, but Andy was relentless, securing a 6-1 lead and leveling the match at one set all.

It was game on in the third set, and Andy was fired up with plenty of ‘C’mons!’ Andy missed opportunities to break at 2-2, and this came back to haunt him, as Baghdatis secured the only break of the set at 3-2. A smash which painted the lines, saw Baghdatis take the third set 6-3.

Trailing two sets to one, Andy’s serve kept the game alive early on in the fourth set. However, the young star who is a national hero in Cyprus, took the initiative and forced errors from Andy to break for a 3-2 lead. Andy continued to fight hard, but cheered on by his fanatical support group, Baghdatis was on fire. As Marcos Baghdatis came out to serve for the match at 5-4, he showed nerves of steel as he blitzed a love service game to book himself a place in the quarterfinals.

Andy, recognizing the outstanding performance from his opponent, was very gracious at the net, taking the time to congratulate the ecstatic Cypriot.

A premature exit for the number two seed, Andy will now head back to the USA in preparation for the US Davis Cup tie and the US Hard court season.