The Cyprus Davis Cup team has a strong chance of retaining its Group 2 status when it faces Benin this weekend at the National Tennis Centre in Nicosia. World No. 38 Marcos Baghdatis spearheads the team and will be joined by Rares Cuzdriorean, Petros Chrysochos and Photos Photiades.
The first two singles rubbers will be played on Friday. Marcos is set to open the tie against the unranked Jean Segodo before Chrysochos faces World No. 1392 Alexis Klegou. Saturday features the doubles rubber, which will feature Baghdatis/Cuzdriorean against Klegou/Yakpa before the reverse singles on Sunday. Cyprus team captain Nick Papadopoulos said, “We will give everything we have to win all the matches.”
For Marcos Baghdatis, the matches this weekend could carry extra significance. Should he maintain his winning run and claim two more victories, he would equal the record of legendary Swedish player, Bjorn Borg, who recorded 33 straight wins in Davis Cup competition. Speaking about the prospect of equalling such a record, Marcos said: “I don’t count my win. I am here for my country, to beat Benin. This is my only goal. If I make a record in the process, that is even better.”
Cyprus vs. Benin
Hard, Outdoor, Nicosia
Friday 5/4/2013, 14:00 hrs
Marcos Bagdatis Vs Jean Segodo
Petros Chrysochos Vs Alex Klegou
Saturday 6/4/2013, 15: 00 hrs
Marcos Bagdatis/Rares Cuzdriorean Vs Alex Klegou/Magloire Yapka.
Sunday 7/4/2013, 12:00 hrs
Marcos Bagdatis Vs Alex Klegou
Petros Chrysochos Vs Jean Segodo
