Tsitsipas idol Marcos Baghdatis makes official announcement about his career after Wimbledon

 

Up until recently he was the greatest ever Greek tennis player only to be overtaken by a young player who considers Marcos Baghdatis to be his idol. Now he’s made the toughest decision about his career as a tennis professional.

 

Marcos Baghdatis has officially announced that Wimbledon will be his last tournament as a professional tennis player, after which he will retire from the sport leaving Stefanos Tsitsipas to continue his Greek tennis legacy.

In an official statement on his website Baghdatis said: ” 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”

Tsitsipas has called Baghdatis his idol in tennis and the two players are great friends. During a recent interview Tsitsipas said, “We’re really good friends. Especially now he’s giving me tips, trying to help me as much as he can. It’s really nice to have him next to me because I’ve been idolizing him my whole life. I’ve never really thought of him being so close to me. That would be the coolest thing ever. He’s close with me. We even arranged a couple of times to play doubles together this year, so it’s nice.”

Baghdatis’s glittering career includes 4 career titles (Beijing, Zagreb, Stockholm, Sydney), 348 career wins on the ATP Tour and a career high ranking of No.8 in the World which he achieved in August 2006.

Now you can look ahead to Wimbledon with our exclusive, 164 page, ‘Guide to Wimbledon 2019‘

To find out how to get tickets for Wimbledon this year read our 9 point guide here

For all the latest Wimbledon news before, during and after the tournament make sure you bookmark our ‘Wimbledon News’ section here

If you can’t visit the tournament then do the next best thing and read our guide on how to watch Wimbledon on television

To read more amazing articles like this you can explore Tennishead magazine here or you can subscribe for free to our email newsletter here