Baghdatis keeping focused

Having just become the first Cypriot to reach a grand slam final, the world number 54 is just one match away from repeating his success from 2003 when he won the junior title. Having got this far, he doesn't want to be distracted.

"I just don't answer the phone. I try to keep it simple," he said after his semi-final victory.

However, this does not seem to be reflected in his on-court demeanour.

His matches in Melbourne have turned into a soccer-style fiesta of flag-waving and chanting, as the large Greek community based in Melbourne have adopted him as one of their own. The 20-year-old has been using their energy on court, never more so than against Nalbandian where he needed everything they had after falling two sets behind.

"They're fantastic. It helped me a lot to pass through tough moments in the match," he said.

But the crowd were unable to help him in those first two sets, as he slipped further and further behind his more experienced opponent.

"The first two sets I was really stressed out, I didn't know what to do," Baghdatis said.

Leaning on his fans for support, Baghdatis was then able to fight his way back into the match, hitting some thunderous shots in the process and showing great maturity to deal with the 30 minute rain break with the final a tantalising three points away.

He used the break to listen to advice from his coach Guillaume Payre. "I went in the changing room and I saw my coach and I told him 'What do I do?" Baghdatis said.

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