Wimbledon, London, July 1st-14th

[choupi]

This is with some emotion that I open the last thread here as Marcos just officially announced that he would be putting an end to his career as a tennis Professional after this Wimbledon 2019.

Here are his words, published today on his official Facebook Page :

Dear All,

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


Well let's support him til the end (that won't be one, as he said he'd keep on being in touch with tennis).

I will miss you dear but most of all, thanks for all the joy you contributed to bring to the game. All my best wishes for new life you are about to begin. And congratulations for the new baby coming !!!

More infos to come for the last tournament of his career soon

[choupi]

Official site of the event: www.wimbledon.com/index.html

Main Singles Draw available here

For his last tournament, Marcos is to play LL B. SCHNUR for the 1st round.

Come on Marcos, we're all behind you

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The 1st round match against B. SCHNUR is scheduled on Tuesday as 2nd match on court 8 (match start at 11AM local time)

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Marcos reaches the 2nd round after defeating B. SCHNUR 6-2 6-4 6-4.

Cypriot reaches second round for the 10th time at SW19

Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis staved off his retirement on Tuesday, defeating Canadian lucky loser Brayden Schnur 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the second round at Wimbledon for the third consecutive year and the 10th time overall.
"Against my opponent that I played today, yes. I'm very happy," Baghdatis said. "I think tactically we did everything perfect."
Baghdatis received a wild card into the season’s third Grand Slam, announcing his decision to hang up his racquets after his final match at SW19. In the next round, Baghdatis will face in-form No. 17 seed Matteo Berrettini.



“I’m so grateful because to be able to finish and play my last match at his historic tournament, it’s just a dream come true for so many people [to play here],” Baghdatis told ATPTour.com before the tournament. “It’s a dream come true for me, so I’m so grateful for that.”
Baghdatis was able to convert five of his 16 break chances against Schnur, this year’s New York Open finalist. The Cypriot was strong on serve, saving six of the seven break points he faced to move on after one hour and 56 minutes.

Baghdatis advanced to the semi-finals at SW19 in 2006, a result that sent him soaring into the Top 10 of the ATP Rankings for the first time. Earlier that season, he made the final at the Australian Open. Baghdatis' best effort at the All England Club since came the very next year, when he advanced to the quarter-finals.

His next opponent, Berrettini, battled hard to move past Slovenian Aljaz Bedene 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(3) in two hours and 56 minutes. Berrettini, who's at a career-high No. 20 in the ATP Rankings, won his first grass-court title at the MercedesCup, defeating #NextGenATP sensation Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final. The Italian also made the semi-finals the following week at the NOVENTI OPEN.

"He's on fire. He is having a great year this year. He's a young kid. He has huge weapons, and I think it's going to be tough. But again, I think I have the game also to disturb him on grass and find ways to make him feel bad in some moments," Baghdatis said. "That's what I'm going to try and do. I have the experience, and I think I have experience enough to know what to do on those moments. I'll try my best to find ways to make him feel uncomfortable on the court."
Berrettini and Baghdatis have not previously played. The 23-year-old will try to reach the third round at The Championships for the first time.

www.atptour.com/en/news/baghdatis-berrettini-wimbledon-2019-tuesday

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The 2nd round match against M. BERRETTINI is scheduled on Thursday as last match on Court 2

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Marcos just finished his 2nd round match against M. BERRETTINI. He lost in 3 sets 1-6 6-7 3-6.

This is really the end. I still have a hard time realizing that this was the last time I could see you play a professional match. That was so great to see you enjoying yourself on the court today, til the very last point played. You kept bringing your freshness and I'm so gratefull for that.

I have to say that I could not resist your tears right after you shook hands with your opponent. My tears rolled on my cheeks too...and then, you decided to share this so emotional moment with the crowd that couldn't stop applauding, giving all you had to very happy people among the crowd (rackets, towels, t-shirts), with such a bright smile on your face. You were up to the Marcos Baghdatis I discovered long ago, a joyfull guy who put people's happiness at the top of his goals.

I was happy I could follow a big part of your career and I wanted to thank you so much, once again, for everything you brought me during all that time. I wish you all the very best for the rest of your brand new life Merci beaucoup Marcos!! Will never forget you