AAMI Classic Kooyong (exhibition) Jan 9-12

[choupi]

After Federer pulled out of this exhibition, Marcos got the spot to play the famous Kooyong exhibition, which is well-known to be a very good practise for players right before the Autralian Open.

All info available on the site: www.aamiclassic.com.au/Home

Hope he gets some good match practise there!!

[getta]

Marcos defeated N. Davydenko 6-4 4-6 6-1.

He will play F. Gonzalez on Friday, I think.

It's an exhibition event but it is good for Marcos to have a few matches under his belt before entering the AO.

[getta]

Has anyone read Marcos' interview?

My comments (if you don't mind):

• He said something about a pain on his knee. I hope it isn't something serious.
  
• I don't like the journalist's attitude to ask Marcos about his opinion on Davy-gambling case.
  
• Oh dear. Marcos says again: "to find a solution to win".
  
• I assume you know that both Marcos and his father don't shave their facial hair from the start of a tournament until Marcos' exit from it. Marcos said that a few months ago.
  
  

It was nice to read a recent Marcos' interview. He is not fluent in English. Perhaps he would be more revealing if he had the possibility to speak in French...

[choupi]

Thanks for these infos Getta.

[choupi]

Marcos will play on Friday.

Friday January 11 - 3 matches from 11am

Marcos Baghdatis v Fernando Gonzales

followed by

Brydan Klein v Andy Murray

followed by

Nikolai Davydenko v Ivan Ljubicic

Hope the pain in the knee is nothing serious.

[getta]

Marcos defeated F. Gonzalez 6-2 7-5.

It is an exhibition event. Nothing more, nothing less. We never forget that.


^{Choupi, Marcos' opponent's name in the final is not Rodthingy. I'm quite sure about that. So, the joy is all yours, to write the result of the final on Saturday.}

[choupi]

Hey, that means I also might see that match on my tv. As I should have some short coverage tomorrow.

We all know it's an exho, and that winning matches isn't the most important in an exho. But, that exho is special as it is a very good way to gain match practise right before the AO beginning on Monday. I'm happy to see that Marcos is in the final. Should bring some good confidence, which is a good thing, after his early loss in Chennai.

[choupi]

Saturday January 12 - 2008 AAMI Classic Final

1pm
Play off for 3rd and 4th placing
Fernando Gonzalez (Chile) v Marat Safin (Russia)

followed by

Pre match Entertainment with JON STEVENS

followed by

2008 AAMI CLASSIC FINAL
Andy Roddick (USA) v MARCOS BAGHDATIS (Cyprus)

[getta]

Marcos lost to A. Roddick 5-7 3-6.

Hope he enjoyed the tournament, had fun and is ready now for the real big event.

[choupi]

The result -the loss- isn't important in my opinion. I mean, Marcos played some matches in Melbourne, in the tough conditions of heat. He played some top 10 players. He gained confidence and got used to the surface, so that can only be good.