Marcos Baghdatis – Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You had to soak up a lot of pressure before you got the best of him?

MARCOS BAGHDATIS: Yes, I had to. I think I stayed strong, especially in that eighth game or ninth game. Eighth. Yeah, 4-3 for him. Yeah, I had to stay strong. I don’t know what happened there with my serve. I served four double faults.

I had to stay strong through the baseline, not give points away, you know. I did that, you know. A bit lucky on the challenge where I challenged his forehand wide. I thought was out, but, you know, you never know. It could touch the line. I was a bit lucky there. Sometimes you need luck to go through, and I had it today.

I’m very happy with the victory.

Q. Was this how you expected the match to go or were you expecting it to be tougher?

MARCOS BAGHDATIS: A bit easier (laughter).

No, he’s in great shape. He’s in great form, won two tournaments already. I think he’s one of the most confident guys, if you take Novak out, Djokovic.

So I think he’s playing great tennis. I knew it would be very tough today physically, mentally. I think that’s why I held strong at that eighth game, because I knew beforehand that it would be tough.

Yeah, I’m very happy, also, the way I ended it. I think I started playing better and better throughout the second set. Yeah, I’m very happy.

Q. You will most probably be playing Djokovic next. How are you approaching that match?

MARCOS BAGHDATIS: I mean, he has a match today to play. For me, it will be a privilege to play against him.

I mean, he’s one of the best players who we ever have had in our sport. It would be a great privilege to have a chance to play against him again, and I hope I’ll take my chance to find a way to win.