03 Jul Baghdatis nominated for Cyprus in Round II of Davis Cup
Ireland’s upcoming Davis Cup Euro/Africa zone opponents, Cyprus, have now announced the team set to face Sean Sorensen’s Irish charges at the Cypriot National Tennis Centre in Nicosia from the 10-12 July.
As expected, the Cypriot No. 1, former World No.8 and 2006 Wimbledon semi-finalist Marcos Baghdatis was officially announced as part of the team. Photos Kallias and Demetrios Leontis complete Team Captain Yiannos Hadjigeorghiou’s team of three. There had been doubts as to whether the Cypriot No. 1 would be part of the team to face Ireland. Baghdatis is currently recovering from a knee ligament injury which has kept him out of this years Wimbledon Championships but he is hopeful that he can be fully recovered in time for the tie against the Irish. It certainly would be a major boost for the Cypriots if Baghdatis is fully fit for the tie, the current world no.93 holds a hugely impressive Davis Cup record. In almost 60 appearances for his national team and has won an impressive 48 rubbers and has not lost a Davis Cup match since April 2007.
The likely No.2 for Cyprus is Photos Kallias, the second highest ranked Cypriot on the ATP tour at no.556 in the world. Like Baghdatis Kallias also has a lot of experience in Davis Cup competition with 35 appearances for Cyprus and a 16-19 win/loss record for Cyprus. The final team nomination for Cyprus has been saved for 30 year-old Demetrios Leontis, another player with a long and successful history in Davis Cup competition stretching back to 1994. With over 40 Davis Cup wins in over 60 matches, including a doubles win over Ireland at Davis Cup in 2005 partnering Baghdatis, the 30 year-old will be a tough opponent for the Irish players.
Play is due to commence at 13:00 (GMT) on Friday 10 July and further updates can be found from the Tennis Ireland website.