Famous and in Cyprus

Whether it is simply by walking about, cycling or with car hire, Cyprus is the island to stumble upon a famous person or two. From pop stars to sportsmen to wealthy billionaires, the Republic of Cyprus is where they can be found. The religious star watcher will know who they might bump into. 27 year old Marcos Baghdatis was born on the island, and is such a person that might be sighted. It is a good idea to consider car hire Cyprus is too large to scout for stars like Baghdatis by foot!

Marcos Bahgdatis is a pro tennis player. His two major achievements include being runner up of the 2006 Australian Open, with Roger Federer as his opponent, and a semi-finalist at the 2006 Wimbledon Championships. He also won the Cyprus Male Athlete of the Year Award in 2005. The highest ranking he has achieved thus far was no. 8 in 2006 and his current position is no. 43, as determined on 9 January 2012.

Born in 1985, Baghdatis started to play tennis at the age of five, with his father and brother teaching him.  With the aid of an Olympic Solidarity Youth Development Programme Scholarship, he trained at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in Paris from the young age of thirteen, becoming one of Europe’s finest amateurs. This is where he also learned to speak French.

At the age of eighteen, Baghdatis won the 2003 ITF World Junior Championship and soon afterwards he became professional and joined the ATP tour where he won a set against Roger Federer in the 2004 U.S. Open – a praiseworthy achievement seeing as he was one of only two players to win a set against this formidable player. 2005 was a slow year for Baghdatis due to an elbow injury, but he quickly picked up pace again, having an outstanding year of tennis in 2006 with his two major achievements both in this year. In 2010 he was the only player to beat Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer while they were world number 1.

Baghdatis has adopted a very relaxed playing style with a very powerful forehand as his main strength. He also possesses a very strong backhand, with his two-handed backhand being especially dangerous.  He is known to attempt difficult shots with a high risk, with the successful execution leading to a definite win, but when failing, it can cost him a match. He always plays with evident enjoyment which rubs off on the spectators, leaving this young player with a very loyal group of supporters.

Cyprus is the spot to find numerous other starlets on holiday. With its attractive beaches, many famous people will visit the place at least once, but they always return for more.