Baghdatis rekindles love affair with Australian Open

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Marcos Baghdatis is back on his magic carpet and taking everyone along for the ride.

It has been four years since Baghdatis lit up the Australian Open with his captivating run to the 2006 final but hopes are high he can make another charge this year.

He is finally clear of the injuries that have stalled his career over the past two seasons and his confidence is growing by the day.

Baghdatis was reduced to playing on the Challenger circuit last year but the Cypriot proved he was getting back to his best with three second tier titles before winning an ATP event in Stockholm.

His infectious grin returned when he won last week''s Sydney International and now the distinctive chest-thumps have reappeared as the momentum starts to build.

He won his opening match at Melbourne Park without fuss or fanfare but faced a tricky second-round match Thursday against Spain''s David Ferrer, the tournament''s 17th seed.

No one has ever questioned Baghdatis''s fighting spirit but he was almost down for the count when he lost the first two sets.

RALLYING CRY

But just when it seemed all was lost, his loyal supporters issued their rallying cry and he rolled up his shirt sleeves and got to work, turning the match around to win 4-6 3-6 7-6 6-3 6-1 despite cramping up at the end.

"I saw he was a bit tired, so it helped me fight even more," Baghdatis said.

"I saw a window open, so that''s how it went."