Latecomer Baghdatis blooms with first title since 2007 (Roundup)

By Bill Scott Oct 25, 2009, 17:08 GMT

Stockholm - Marcos Baghdatis saved the best for last as he won the Stockholm Open Sunday with a 15-ace performance, triumphing 6-1, 7-5 over Belgian Olivier Rochus.

The trophy run - the Cypriot didn't drop a set all week in his Stockholm debut - left the 2006 Australian Open finalist buoyed with success after two years of injury hell.

The Baghdatis entry into the Swedish field was a last-minute affair. 'I entered here but didn't think I'd get in,' said the number 66. 'But I got the word when I was playing last week in the Tashkent (Challenger) semi-finals.

'I won there and got a plane and here I am. I can't say I was expecting this victory but it feels great, I'm really happy.'

'My goal is to stay healthy and try to play some consistent tennis,' said the winner his third career title and his first since Zagreb two and a half years ago.

Baghdatis will end his season at a South Korean Challenger after a few days at home with his family on his home island of Cyprus next week.

Baghdatis was watched by his mother and godmother who travelled from his homeland but also the country's ambassador in Stockholm.

'I want to blow a kiss to my mother and godmother, thank you for coming,' said the winner after his 23rd victory of the season. 'It's been a tough year for me.

'Olivier played great, he's given so much on the court. It's great to win.

Rochus spent the week with his Swedish girlfriend in the role as 'coach.'

'My serve didn't work as well as it had done earlier in the week today. I had a few too many double faults and had a lower first serve percentage, which cost me a lot,' said the Belgian.

'I came back well in the second set and there was not much in it. If I had served a bit better I think I could have maybe taken it into a third.

'Serve was the difference today but Marcos played very well. I can't complain with my week, but of course it's always disappointing to lose a final.'

Baghdatis took the opening set with two breaks of serve, but found himself in a battle in the second. He escaped on match point with his 15th ace at one hour, 38 minutes after breaking Rochus for the fifth time the game before.