Baghdatis comes back

ByEurosport

Published 26/01/2006 at 09:14 GMT

Marcos Baghdatis came back from two sets down to beat David Nalbandian 3-6 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-4 and move into the final of the Australian Open. Having been out manoeuvered in the early exchanges he drew inspiration from the wild crowd and played some inspirati

TENNIS 2006 AUSTRALIAN OPEN Nalbandian D. - Baghdatis M. 1/2 final

Image credit: Reuters

The Cypriot produced some stunning tennis in front of a packed Rod Lever Arena crowd to win against all the odds after being put in his place by his more experienced opponent in the opening two sets.

As if the match itself wasn't exciting enough, the players were forced to leave the court with Baghdatis 15-15, serving for the match when heavy rain interrupted play and left onlookers stunned.

TENNIS 2006 AUSTRALIAN OPEN Nalbandian D. - Baghdatis M. 1/2 final

Image credit: Reuters

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There was a short break while the roof was shut and the court dried before the players could return to finish the match.

OVER-RULE

There was a dramatic over-rule from the umpire on the first match-point as Baghdatis almost clipped the line with a fierce drive.

However, two points later it was all over as the world number 54 finished the match in fine style with his 15th ace of the match to spark the raucous celebrations and move him into an unlikely final slot against the winner of Friday's match between Roger Federer and Nicolas Kiefer.

TENNIS 2006 AUSTRALIAN OPEN Nalbandian D. - Baghdatis M. 1/2 final

Image credit: Reuters

Nalbandian will be distraught after failing to finish off his opponent having taken both a two set lead, and twice breaking his opponent's serve in the final set, only to be broken back immediately on each occasion.

PROMISING START

The start of the match promised much, with the players swapping early breaks before settling down and producing some high quality tennis.

Nalbandian secured a break in the eighth game of the first set and was able to serve out for the early advantage.

He broke again in the first game of the second and went on to take a 5-1 lead in the set before his opponent, looking a little tired and lacking in adrenaline, was able to surge back into the match.

TENNIS 2006 AUSTRALIAN OPEN Nalbandian D. - Baghdatis M. 1/2 final

Image credit: Reuters

Baghdatis harnessed the energy from the crowd to roar back to 5-5 before having his concentration disturbed by the mass of fireworks being let off outside the stadium as part of the Australia Day celebrations.

He showed his inexperience to then drop his serve and lose the set before gathering himself for a famous comeback.

TENNIS 2006 AUSTRALIAN OPEN Nalbandian D. - Baghdatis M. 1/2 final

Image credit: Reuters

FIREWORKS

Baghdatis then delighted his fans with fireworks of his own to win the next two sets with a single break in each before the players embarked on the final chapter.

Twice the Cypriot was broken by a pumped up Nalbandian only to be pegged back by spectacular play from his opponent.

When the unseeded former junior champion broke get back to 3-4 in the final set, the Argentine's resistance finally seemed to be broken.

His game finally fell apart as he committed a string of errors to hand the initiative to Baghdatis and the match seemed to be rushing to a swift conclusion before the rain break.

TENNIS 2006 AUSTRALIAN OPEN Nalbandian D. - Baghdatis M. 1/2 final

Image credit: Reuters

However, this was only to delay the inevitable, and with a final thunderous ace, Baghdatis was able to close out the match and set up his date with destiny on Sunday.

"I'll have to wake up and check if I'm dreaming," he said in a courtside interview.

"I don't know what to say - it's amazing."

Australian Open: Mens singles draw

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