Baghdatis breezes past Becker in Melbourne opener

MARCOS Baghdatis overcame Benjamin Becker  6-1, 7-6(5), 6-2 yesterday at Melbourne Park in the opening round of the first Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open.

The Cypriot, who reached the semi-finals in Sydney last week, entered the match as the favourite against the experienced German, who lost in the second round of the Australian Open last year and did not take part in any other Grand Slam last season.

Baghdatis, 26, justified his billing as he broke Becker three times on his way to taking the opening set after 28 minutes.

The Limassol native then continued to build on his quality performance in the second set and, after another quick break of serve, he took a 4-2 lead.

Becker refused to give in and battled back, eventually managing to convert one of four break point opportunities to level the scores and force a tie-break. However, Baghdatis was yet again on top of his game as he clinched the second set 7-5.

The third set was a mere formality as it was obvious that Becker’s morale was low. Baghdatis won 100 per cent of his first serve points, while breaking Becker’s serve twice to seal the win.

The Cypriot number one, currently ranked 44, will now face the 21st seed Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland, who yesterday beat Frenchman Benoit Paire 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in his first round encounter.

Wawrinka beat Baghdatis in their only previous meeting on the tour four years ago, in the third round of the Indian Wells Masters 6-3, 6-7, 6-0.

 

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