What a start to the finale! Marcos kicked off the final tournament of his career with an efficient victory over Brayden Schnur on Tuesday at Wimbledon.

Marcos needed just one hour and 56 minutes to triumph on Court 8, defeating Schnur 6-2, 6-4, 6-4. He ousted the Canadian behind 31 winners and seven aces, converting five break chances.

Wimbledon was the first professional tournament that Marcos visited as a child, and it is only fitting that his career comes full circle here. With his typical flair and energy, he put on a show in front of the London faithful at the All England Club.

“It’s been an emotional day,” Marcos said. “Same with last night. I’m pretty happy I went through because I can control my nerves in the next one. My goal is to fight for every match and get as many wins as I can. It’s a nice goodbye to the sport I love with all my heart.

“It was weird today. It’s not something you have every day. It’s good emotions. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and getting all the messages from fans and family, you start to realize what you’ve achieved.”

Marcos saved a total of six of seven break points against Schnur. He converted a break of his own to open the match and never looked back. Leading two sets to none, Marcos surged to a 5-4 lead and captued his first match point.

Making his 14th appearance at Wimbledon, he now owns a 22-13 record. Next up is 17th seed Matteo Berrettini, who also advanced on Tuesday. It will be their first meeting.

Berrettini, battled hard to move past Slovenian Aljaz Bedene 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(3) in two hours and 56 minutes. Berrettini, who’s at a career-high No. 20 in the ATP Rankings, won his first grass-court title at the MercedesCup, defeating #NextGenATP sensation Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final. The Italian also made the semi-finals the following week at the NOVENTI OPEN.

“He’s on fire. He is having a great year this year. He’s a young kid. He has huge weapons, and I think it’s going to be tough. But again, I think I have the game also to disturb him on grass and find ways to make him feel bad in some moments,” Baghdatis said. “That’s what I’m going to try and do. I have the experience, and I think I have experience enough to know what to do on those moments. I’ll try my best to find ways to make him feel uncomfortable on the court.”

Berrettini and Baghdatis have not previously played. The 23-year-old will try to reach the third round at The Championships for the first time.

Just as all the Marcos Baghdatis fans were getting ready to say goodbye to their idol, the 34-year-old Cypriot extended his stay at what is the final tournament of his career.

Baghdatis announced last week that Wimbledon would bring down the curtain on his career, but he guaranteed himself – and his legion of admirers worldwide – one more throw of the dice by beating Canadian Brayden Schnur in straight sets on Court 8.

“I think it’s about time for me,” he said on the eve of the tournament. “I feel that it’s been a good ride.”