President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos congratulated on Friday Cypriot tennis player Marcos Baghdatis for his success to be among the 16 finalists at the Australian Open.

Cypriot tennis player beat German Denis Gremelmayr by 6-2, 6-1 and 6-2 in the third round of the Australia Open.

"I congratulate him for what he has already achieved and being among the best 16 at the Australian Open," President Papadopoulos said.

The President added that the government acknowledges Baghdatis' great talent and for this reason it exempted him several times from his obligation to serve the National Guard.

"He has proved worthy of the understanding shown towards him," President Papadopoulos noted.

Baghdatis will play US tennis player Andy Roddick, number three seed in the world ranking.

Source: Xinhua