Back in 2006, Marcos Baghdatis surprised the tennis world after reaching a sensational final at the Australian Open. That put on fire the Greek community around the globe and Marcos became a national hero in Cyprus and all over Greece.

At 20 years of age, Stefanos Tsitsipas hopes to emulate Baghdatis, and he seems to be also on his way to become a national hero in Greece. Last year he won 2 titles (Stockholm and Milan), and he got to the final in Toronto. Stefanos has now the ambition to reach at least a slam semi final and break in the top10 (he is currently ranked no.15).

Stefanos and Marcos are getting closer and closer. In November, Stefanos spent some time together with Marcos in Cyprus to strengthen their bond. Now in Australia he is my guide.

During a  recent interview with The Age, Stefanos commented

“We’re really good friends. Especially now he’s giving me tips, trying to help me as much as he can.

It’s really nice to have him next to me because I’ve been idolizing him my whole life. I’ve never really thought of him being so close to me. That would be the coolest thing ever. He’s close with me. We even arranged a couple of times to play doubles together this year, so it’s nice.”

About Baghdatis’ run in 2006

Talking about Marcos’ famous run in 2006 at the Australian Open, Stefanos added

“It was a big storm in Greece. I don’t really remember that well the fourth round or the quarters, or whatever. I remember the finals. Everyone was watching. Everyone. That was very inspiring to see. Around that age, I started playing tennis. It made me love the sport, even more, having faith and maybe doing something similar one day. Like him.”