Marcos Baghdatis says he is aiming to get back into the Top 30 and, after having become a father for the second time, is feeling much more relaxed about competition.
The 30-year-old from Cyprus defeated David Goffin in the opening round of Rotterdam.
Bagdhatis, a former Australian Open finalist and Top 10 regular, is currently ranked No. 68 following several injury-affected seasons. But he says that unlike a few years ago, he has been recommitted to the game for a while, partly because of his wife, former player Karolina Sprem.
“Karolina was very important because she also played tennis. She also went through a career and she had some injuries herself,” Bagdhatis told the ATP website. “She helped me a lot first of all to have someone to listen to me, who has felt what I’ve been through.”
The couple, who had one daughter, Zahara, welcomed a second girl during the off-season. Having a family has changed his approach to the game, Baghdatis explained.
“You don’t get too stressed during the match or before it,” Baghdatis said. “If I lose today, tomorrow I’m home to hug my daughter, which is one of the best things in the world. Really it takes a lot of pressure off you.”
But Bagdhatis still has more tennis goals, adding that he is encouraged by the success of other 30-and-over players on tour.
“They’re playing their best tennis and I think I am playing my best tennis,” he said. “I think I can play even better and be more consistent. That’s what we’re working for. Now it’s a matter of staying fit. I hope to play another year in the Top 50 and maybe make the step to Top 30, which is the goal.”