Baghdatis To Retire After Competing At Wimbledon

Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis announced on Monday his intention to retire after competing in The Championships at Wimbledon, which begins on 1 July.

The former World No. 8, who played his last ATP Tour event at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in February, issued a statement on social media, saying, “I wanted to take the time to write to you all and let you know that this upcoming Wimbledon will be my last tournament as a tennis professional.

“I am extremely grateful to the All England Club for granting me a main draw wild card… and giving me a chance to say goodbye to the sport that I love so much and has been such a big part of my life for the last 30+ years. This decision was not an easy one. It has proven tough for me, especially physically, to come back to where I feel like I belong.”

The 34-year-old, who reached the 2006 Australian Open final (l. to Federer) and reached the Wimbledon semi-finals later the same year (l. to Nadal), finished in the Top 100 for 12 straight seasons between 2005 and 2016. He has compiled a 348-273 singles match record, which includes four ATP Tour titles from 14 tour-level finals. He went 1-2 in doubles finals.

In the statement, Baghdatis added, “Even though my mind wants to do it, the limits of my body have prevented me to maintain and play at a consistent high level as I expect from myself. Especially the last two years have been very difficult for me with recurring injuries and pain.

“Besides that, I have a beautiful wife, two young daughters, and a third child on the way and I could not be more excited to spend more time with all of them at home.”

Baghdatis, the 2003 year-end junior World No. 1, married former WTA player Karolina Sprem in July 2012 and the couple has two daughters, Zahara and India.

“Although I am sad to say goodbye to the sport as an active player, I am very excited for the next chapter of my life – I am going to be staying heavily involved in tennis in a number of capacities, so you will continue to see me on the Tour.

“Lastly, there are so many people to thank who have been a part of this incredible journey with me, starting with my family first and for all. To all the people that have helped me become the person and tennis player I am today, I say thank you, especially to my Mum and Dad who supported me since the age of three to play tennis.

“Thank you for always believing in me and pushing me to become better. My team, my close friends, but especially the fans around the world. You made me feel welcome in each and every city and country I have ever been to, and your love, support, and energy is something I will truly miss.”