Injured Baghdatis pulls plug on season

From the Cyprus Mail, Nemanja Bjedov.

MARCOS Baghdatis has called a premature end to his 2010 season after he withdraw from the Swiss Indoors Basel and the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris.

The Cypriot suffered a right shoulder injury in Vienna last week and was advised by his physio to rest for a fortnight in order to avoid aggravating the injury.

“I am very sorry that I will not be able to see my fans in Basel and Paris this year. I injured my right shoulder in Vienna and have been advised to rest so as not to cause any further damage,” said Baghdatis in a statement published on his official website.

“I am disappointed that the season has come to an early end, but I am very happy with my progress in 2010 and look forward to seeing you all on tour next year. Thanks for your support,” he added.

After recovering, the world number 20 will work hard during the short off season in preparation for the 2011 campaign which he will commence at the eagerly-anticipated Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi featuring an all-star line up of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Robin Soderling, Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga.

The tournament will be held at the recently upgraded Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City.

“Abu Dhabi is a very special place to me. I have enjoyed the best season of my career so far and it all started with a victory in Abu Dhabi, so it holds great memories,” said world number one Nadal.

“The early season momentum gained in Abu Dhabi is good preparation for the Australian Open,” the Spaniard added.

“Everything about Abu Dhabi and the tournament - from the weather, facilities and the atmosphere in the stadium, make it the ideal place to start my season. Having seen the strength of the field, I look forward to returning to defend my title in a fantastic city that loves tennis and is emerging as one of the world’s great sporting destinations,” concluded the 24-year-old..

Returning to Abu Dhabi for the third straight year, Federer said he is also looking forward to the tournament. “To win against such a strong field will be the perfect start to the 2011 season, as this world class tournament has put Abu Dhabi on the global tennis map,” he said.

“It’s personally rewarding to play here and Abu Dhabi is a place where I always want to win.”