Number one seed Marcos Baghdatis has admitted he is still settling in on the grass at the Aegon Manchester Trophy after his first round win over British wildcard Marcus Willis.
The Cypriot cruised through his first match yesterday in straight sets beating Willis 6-4, 6-2 on centre court at The Northern Lawn Tennis Club in Didsbury.
But Baghdatis insists that getting his game together on grass will take time and hopes that by the time Wimbledon and Queens come around he will be fully comfortable on the surface.
“On grass it’s very tough to find momentum especially in your first match especially as we didn’t get to practise on grass due to the rain.
“It’s important for me to get some matches on grass and for me it doesn’t take too many matches to start feeling quite good.
“As the match went on I felt better and better. Slowly slowly I’m piecing my game together on grass ahead of Wimbledon and Queens.”
The former world number eight is seeded first in the ATP Challenger Tour event and was taken on a tour of Old Trafford football ground on Monday.
The 29-year-old fully enjoyed finding out about the history of the stadium and to be in the home of his hero Wayne Rooney he admitted was an honour.
“My tour to Old Trafford was great, I’ve been to watch matches before but getting to know the story of Old Trafford was even better.
ATTITUDE: Man Utd captain Wayne Rooney inspires Baghdatis with his on-pitch attitude
“Wayne Rooney is my favourite, he’s a great player, all of his career he’s played so many different positions and he gives everything wherever he plays and I like his attitude very much.
“I think they’ve had a great season, it’s not easy because a lot of players went away when [David] Moyes came and then [Louis] Van Gaal brought his team and it’s a lot of changes and I think they have done well.”
The former Australian Open runner-up will play Britain’s Brydan Klein later today for a place in the quarterfinals.
Images courtesy of Alan Martin, with thanks.
