Face of Nation : Marcos Baghdatis captured the attention of tennis fans across the globe when he made a blistering charge into the Australian Open final back in 2006.
Ever since he has been a fan favourite with his energiser bunny style of play always captivating the viewers.
But like anything the end must come and in emotional scenes, Baghdatis waved a teary goodbye to a standing ovation.
Baghdatis fell 6-1, 7-6, 6-3 in the second round to 17th-seeded Matteo Berrettini before the emotions kicked in.
After it ended, the 34-year-old from Cyprus patted his heart with both hands, then knelt and leaned his forehead on the grass, before planting a kiss on No. 2 Court.
He cried as the spectators regaled him with a lengthy standing ovation.
Baghdatis, a Wimbledon semi-finalist in 2006, said before the tournament began that it would be his last before retirement.
His wife, former player Karolina Sprem, is expecting a baby in November, their third child.
“I didn’t want to leave the court,” said Baghdatis.
“It was a nice farewell. It felt amazing. Again, I want to thank everybody for staying and giving me that last emotion.
“I’m crying, but I’m happy. It’s a happy moment for everybody, because I’m really excited for the future and the only thing I’m sad leaving behind is the last part: the fans and the emotions that they always gave me.”
His career comes to an end with Baghdatis holding a 349-273 tour-level match record that includes winning four ATP titles and a career-high ranking of No. 8.
As he soaked in the atmosphere and took in his final moments on the court, Baghadatis began throwing everything he had into the crowd. A ritual he had been doing his career.
Roger Federer, who defeated Baghdatis in the 2006 Aus Open Final, led the tributes from players for the Cypriot.
“I remember Marcos when I played him at the (2004) US Open in a night session match. He was still very young. He had super long hair. I think he took a set off me, too (Federer won 6-2, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-1 in the second round),” Federer said.
“You could see how good he could become because he had the speed, simple technique, forehand, backhand, which is always going to help you throughout the course of your career.
“He also had a winner’s mentality, liked the big stage. I think that’s also one of the reasons he did well here and also in Australia when the big matches came about. Off the court, he was always a lovely guy, always very funny, easygoing, good to be around with. So I liked him on and off the court.”
“I think for Cyprus, he did so much coming from such a small country and becoming a sporting superstar.
“I’m sure that was a big deal at home … He’s always been a joy to watch also for us players, so we’ll miss him.”
