And Baghdatis shoots up the ATP rankings!

New week, new rankings, from 100th to 85^th; on the back of a decent start to the season. Bowed out of the Aussie Open losing to Djokovic in a tightly contested match (again). It is worth mentioning that Djokovic - on the back of this game - had to retire from his next fixture with Roddick the following day. One could argue then that Marcos knocked the no 3 in the world out of the Australian Open! For those who remember, it has happened before, during Wimbledon 2007.

Marcos’ 4^th round Australian Open points replace the ones he gained 12 months ago where he only reached round 3, so up the ranking he shoots. Next tournament is in Sout Efrika.

Serb Fans

The Serbs are nicking our trademark. What does this remind you of? And I thought we were the only ones to turn tennis into a football game. Mind you, the Serbs have 3 cracking players to cheer on.

But you know, that's what i like about the Australian Open. Laid back. You can cheer your player on without some British Legion octogenarian going all menstrual over it. Can anyone imagine that sort of atmosphere in Paris or Wimbledon? Fat chance. They have to be 'proper'.

I hate Australian time though. It sucks having to get up in the early hours to watch Baghdatis. Why cant they just play during daytime? Or perhaps around 7pm CET - so that I can watch it over my supper.

Baghdatis is picking up pace.

Söderling dispatched. Just about. It was looking very much a pending disaster half way into the game - 1 set down and trailing 5-4. But Marcos managed to turn it around to a 3-1 victory, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-3. Don't want to tempt fate but Mardy Fish who follows tomorrow, should be just procedural. Which will bring us to a different Fish (or kettle of). Djokovic. Nuff said.

Baghdatis beats Benneteau

Marcos dispatched Benneteau with apparent ease. Bar the puke. 6-3, 7-6, 6-2.

Next up is Söderling, who currently ranks 16th and has been our nemesis three times to date. Scheduled as the last game on show court 2.

Baghdatis at Australia 2009

Marcos kicks off down under ranked 98th and facing Julien Benneteau, currently ranked 48th by ATP. He has beaten Marcos on both previous encounters but that was in 2006.

In an interview with the Age Marcos is quoted: "I feel happy being on court again : I feel fitter than ever".

Come on Marcos, make it 3 wins in a row. Australian Open here we come.