Photo: Ron C. Angle
Marcos made a welcome return to the winner’s circle on Monday as he recorded his first ATP World Tour victory since March with a 6-2, 6-3 win over British wild card James Ward.
“I didn't win a match since Miami,” said Marcos. “I'm not in the best confidence, I'm not in the best shape of my career. I was injured last year for eight months, and I'm just happy to be back on court without injuries and just having fun on the court and practicing.
“I don't care [about] losing or winning. It's not the point. I want to win, but I just want to feel happy on court.”
Against world No. 220 Ward, Marcos thoroughly justified his late wild card – awarded by tournament director Chris Kermode on Thursday night – using his greater skill and experience to comfortably defeat the young Briton.
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A forehand error from Ward handed Marcos a break of serve in the sixth game and he sealed the set with a second break to take it 6-2. A forehand drop shot from Marcos brought up three break points in the second game of the second set and he capitalised on his momentum by breaking early in the set as Ward netted a backhand. He then confidently went on to serve out victory after 54 minutes with his sixth ace of the match.
“I felt pretty good,” commented Marcos. “It was a weird match not a lot of rhythm. But I was feeling good, serving quite okay, returning okay. I basically did everything okay. I did what I have to do to win the match, so that was enough.”
Marcos next will face Russian No. 14 seed Mikhail Youzhny for a place in the third round.
Stay tuned to www.baghdatis.com for all the latest on Marcos’ progress in London.
Go, Marcos!
