Baghdatis returns as Svitolina coaching consultant

Marcos Baghdatis, who ended his playing career earlier this year, is returning to tennis as a coaching consultant for Elina Svitolina, the women’s world number six has said.

“Starting now, Marcos will be part of my team in the role of consultant coach, alongside my current coach Andy Bettles,” Ukraine’s Svitolina said on Instagram.

“I’m very excited to announce this news and I’m confident his strong experience will add value to my game. With such a great coaching team, I have set high objectives for 2020.”

Cyprus star Baghdatis, who finished runner-up at the 2006 Australian Open, brought the curtain down on his career after losing in the second round at Wimbledon in July.

The 34-year-old confirmed the collaboration on Twitter.

“I am so glad to announce the next chapter of my life and look forward to coaching a great athlete and super tennis player No.6 ranked WTA player Elina Svitolina,” he said.
“I want to thank Elina for putting her trust in me. Let’s do this!”

Baghdatis enjoyed a 15-year career on the ATP Tour, where he was ranked a career-high number eight after reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon in 2006.

Between 2006 and 2010, the Limassolian won four ATP singles titles in Beijing, Zagreb, Stockholm and Sydney.