Photo: Cyprus Tennis Federation
Marcos battled to a crucial Davis Cup victory for Cyprus yesterday, edging Ireland’s Louk Sorensen 6-7(5), 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 on Friday in Nicosia.
The victory gave Cyprus an initial 1-0 lead in the second-round clash, but the visitors were quick to draw level as Cyprus’ Photos Kallias was forced to retire trailing 7-5, 3-6, 0-5 against Conor Niland.
Marcos was competing for the first time since injuring his left knee at the Ordina Open last month. He has been working very hard over the past two weeks to ensure he would be ready for the tie, beginning first with physical work and physio on his knee before progressing to tennis.
The hard work evidently paid off as he was able to battle past the resilient Sorensen and secure his 33rd Davis Cup singles win.
“I definitely did not play my best tennis today because I was, at times, suffering from a lot of pain in my foot," explained Marcos. "The problem in my left knee was not a serious one, but it did not let me move properly and play fast tennis. The problem with my foot affected my confidence during the match.
"The weather conditions were very hard at the beginning and understandably made me tired at times. My opponent played very good tennis, with few unforced errors on the baseline and it made me look for different ways to win the match.
“I have a lot of time ahead for getting rest for the very important doubles match, which, if we win, we shall have a strong lead. I hope that all the people will be by our side at the National Tennis Centre to support our team.”
Attention will now turn to the must-win doubles tie on Saturday. Marcos is scheduled to appear alongside Kallias, but the line-up could change if Kallias does not recover in time from the injury he suffered in his singles match. They are due to face James McGee and Colin O’Brien.
Play gets underway at 6pm local time at the National Tennis Centre in Nicosia. Stay tuned to www.baghdatis.com for all the latest updates.
Go Marcos!
