Baghdatis claims Stockholm Open crown
Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus saw off Belgium's Olivier Rochus in two sets to claim the 2009 Stockholm Open on Sunday.
Baghdatis broke through for his third career ATP title with a 6-1, 7-5 win, a success which the Cypriot hopes will kick-start his 2010 season.
But there will be little time to rest for the world number 66, who claimed his first trophy since Zagreb in February, 2007.
After a few days at home on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus next week, the 2006 Australian Open finalist will wrap up his season with a Challenger in South Korea.
"That's it, that will be enough," said the player, who has been tormented by injuries for the past few seasons.
Baghdatis solidified his rebuilding campaign in fine style Sunday as he ended the final with his 15th ace against Belgium's Rochus, who said he never expected to get this far this week.
"Marcos played just great, but I surprised myself also," said the finalist, "coached" this week by his Swedish girlfriend.
Baghdatis will be improving his 66th ranking with an eye on next season as he finally looks ahead to some good luck.
"My goal is to stay healthy and try to play some consistent tennis," said the winner, who only got word of his entry into the Stockholm main draw last weekend when he was playing a semi-final at the Tashkent Challenger, his third trophy at that level since August.
"They told me I was in, so I got on a plane right after the final and here I am. I can't say I was expecting this victory but it feels great, I'm really happy."
Baghdatis broke Rochus five times, the last in the penultimate game before finishing on his first match point with a concluding untouchable serve.
"I'm physically fine but not at 100 percent," he said. "I want to spend two or three days at home with my brothers and family and then go to South Korean and end this season.
"I'll be working hard on fitness in the off-season and trying to stay healthy."
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Baghdatis broke through for his third career ATP title with a 6-1, 7-5 win, a success which the Cypriot hopes will kick-start his 2010 season.
But there will be little time to rest for the world number 66, who claimed his first trophy since Zagreb in February, 2007.
After a few days at home on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus next week, the 2006 Australian Open finalist will wrap up his season with a Challenger in South Korea.
"That's it, that will be enough," said the player, who has been tormented by injuries for the past few seasons.
Baghdatis solidified his rebuilding campaign in fine style Sunday as he ended the final with his 15th ace against Belgium's Rochus, who said he never expected to get this far this week.
"Marcos played just great, but I surprised myself also," said the finalist, "coached" this week by his Swedish girlfriend.
Baghdatis will be improving his 66th ranking with an eye on next season as he finally looks ahead to some good luck.
"My goal is to stay healthy and try to play some consistent tennis," said the winner, who only got word of his entry into the Stockholm main draw last weekend when he was playing a semi-final at the Tashkent Challenger, his third trophy at that level since August.
"They told me I was in, so I got on a plane right after the final and here I am. I can't say I was expecting this victory but it feels great, I'm really happy."
Baghdatis broke Rochus five times, the last in the penultimate game before finishing on his first match point with a concluding untouchable serve.
"I'm physically fine but not at 100 percent," he said. "I want to spend two or three days at home with my brothers and family and then go to South Korean and end this season.
"I'll be working hard on fitness in the off-season and trying to stay healthy."
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