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A semi-finalist at Wimbledon in 2008,Baghdatis was frustrated at the time given the hour but said the memories he has of the match are among his most treasured now.
“I remember after that match,going back to the hotel and people are coming down to breakfast and it was an experience,” he said.
“It is something you don’t see every day. I lived it. That is how I see it in my head now. Of course … it is tough when you are on tour,but shit happens.
“I feel honoured,especially to play a long match like that against Lleyton Hewitt and (play in) the latest match ever.”
Baghdatis,who reached No.8 in the rankings but later battled injuries during a career that finished in 2019,featured in another notorious moment in Melbourne.
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In a minute of madness in 2012 during a match against Stan Wawrinka,Baghdatis smashed four racquets. The tantrum was considered out of character given his amiable nature.
He was fined $1250 for an incident in which,after his initial outburst,he took three racquets from his bag,with two of them still wrapped in plastic,and obliterated them on the court.
Asked on Monday whether he was asked about his appearance in the Australian Open final or the racquet smashing,Baghdatis answered succinctly.
“More the final,but the racquet does come a lot. A lot. Yes,” he said.
The 37-year-old believes Tsitsipas,who has reached three semi-finals in Melbourne,will set a new mark for Greek tennis.
“If he keeps fit and is not injured … he is going to become the number one in the world soon,” he said.
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