Baghdatis Goes to School in Preparation for Dubai Duty Free Men's Open

Dubai, UAE, February 27th, 2007: Cypriot tennis star Marcos Baghdatis paid a special visit to students of the Dubai English Speaking College, using the school trip as the perfect preparation for his first round match against defending champion Rafael Nadal.

“I’m preparing for the match here, being with the kids and having fun,” said Baghdatis, who faces Nadal on Centre Court tonight at the Dubai Tennis Championships. “It’s great to be here, giving love to kids and receiving love from kids. It’s good to be with them.”

The charismatic Cypriot presented Dubai Tennis Championships competition winner Jessica Burges with four tickets to the tournament and a t-shirt autographed by many of the top players. Burges, 13, won the tournament’s ‘shoe design’ competition.

The 21-year-old Baghdatis also amused the students with his answers to their questions, while inspiring them with the advice: “Not only in sports, but in life, you need to work hard, believe in yourself and be happy. The most important thing in life is when you have health, and when you have that you can do other things.”

Burges, who could not hide her nervous excitement during her first meeting with a professional tennis player, said: “I would like to say a very big thank you because I had a great time meeting one of the tennis stars Marcos Baghdatis. He was very down to earth and I wish him luck in the future.”

The other students also shared Burges’ enthusiasm.

“It was amazing to see a real tennis player at my school. It’s just a dream come true,” said Alexi Saba, 11.

“It was really cool meeting Marcos,” said 11-year-old Campbell Atkinson as he showed off a paper newly autographed by Baghdatis.

“For the students to see a real tennis player, a professional, is absolutely fantastic. It’s a real privilege,” said Head Teacher Peter Daly. “He’s got quite a bit of character. He’s quite quirky, very charismatic and very endearing. The way in which he related to the children was his strength. He answered the questions on their level and was very honest and forthright.”

The Dubai Tennis Championships is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and takes place under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

For further information: John Rynehart, Promoseven Sports Marketing,
(T) +9714 3210008; (M) +971 50 55 96795; john.rynehart@promoseven.com