Photo: Ron C. Angle
Marcos is confident he can take advantage of an open field at the Brisbane International, an ATP World Tour 250 tournament which begins Sunday 3rd January.
Speaking at Family Day in Brisbane, where he took part in a mixed doubles exhibition match to benefit the Kim Walters Choices Program, Marcos said: “It’s a tough tournament because it’s the first tournament of the year. A lot of players don’t have a lot of matches on their legs and it’s not an easy tournament. But I think everybody has a go in this one and it will be a nice fight.
“For sure [Andy Roddick is the player to beat]. He’s the top seed, he’s Andy Roddick and he’s always tough to beat. But, like I said, it’s the beginning of the year; you never know what will happen.”
Marcos closed the 2009 season on a high note, winning his third ATP World Tour title at Stockholm, and believes the hard work he put in during the off season will stand him in good stead at the start of the year.
“[Things really looked up for me] at the end of last year. I wasn’t playing very good when I left last year after the Australian Open but at the end of the year I won three Challengers and Stockholm, which was very good for me.
“[The win in Stockholm] was two months ago so it’s tough keeping momentum because of holidays after and practising physically a lot. But I feel quite fit, I feel ready; I’m playing good tennis, I’m confident, so I think everything will be fine.”
Marcos is hugely popular Down Under and his participation at the Brisbane International is a source of great excitement among Australian tennis fans. In turn, Marcos greatly enjoys playing in Australia and it was the scene of his greatest success to date when he reached his first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open in 2006, losing to Roger Federer.
“For sure I love coming here,” said Marcos. “That’s why I come and spend a month in Australia. I feel great here and I’m happy I’m back. I believe I can do better [than the Australian Open final in 2006] because I didn’t win it. I think I can reach an even better level than I did before.”
Stay tuned to www.baghdatis.com for news of the main singles draw in Brisbane, which will be made Saturday.
