Andre Agassi headlines City of Dreams’ Baghdatis academy launch
City of Dreams Mediterranean on Wednesday evening celebrated the official opening of the Marcos Baghdatis Tennis Academy.
The resort described the event as the mark of “the beginning of a new chapter for the sport in Cyprus”.
The grand opening, held on Wednesday, September 18, involved a landmark exhibition match between the Cypriot tennis star and Andre Agassi, one of the sport’s all-time greats.
The two players, who famously faced each other in the 2006 Australian Open, treated the crowd to a highly entertaining match filled with skill, sportsmanship, and light-hearted moments.
The event brought together local dignitaries, tennis enthusiasts, and fans from across the island to celebrate the launch of the state-of-the-art facility, which promises to foster a new generation of tennis talent in Cyprus.
Speaking at the event, Melco Resorts & Entertainment Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho, praised the two players’ distinguished careers, which inspired hundreds of younger athletes to take up tennis.
“The Marcos Baghdatis Tennis Academy is more than just a sports facility—it is a testament to the commitment we share with Marcos to create a place where young people can nurture their talent, develop a love for tennis, and turn their dreams into reality,” Ho said.
He added that the resort’s goal is “to inspire, to support, and to provide the foundation where dreams are built”.
We want this academy to become a beacon for aspiring athletes, a place where potential is honed, and where we can shape not just future champions but also instil in them the values of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork,” he added.
The government was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth Marina Ioannou Hasapi who expressed the ministry’s support of initiatives that promote sports and establish opportunities for young athletes to grow and excel.
“Baghdatis, as an athlete, has managed to inspire many Cypriot children to get involved with tennis and sports in general, making the whole country proud with his success,” she said.
“Therefore, we believe that the Marcos Baghdatis Tennis Academy, operating under his guidance, will contribute to the overall quality of sports and its promotion as an essential aspect of daily life in Cyprus,” Hasapi added.
Marcos Baghdatis paid special tribute to Agassi, describing him as a source of inspiration throughout his life.
“This day is the beginning of an exciting new journey, and I couldn’t imagine a more fitting way to celebrate this special day than by sharing the court with my childhood idol,” Baghdatis said.
“Tennis has been more than a sport for me. It has shaped who I am, guided me through challenges, and given me some of my greatest joys. It brought me together with my wonderful wife, Karolina, who has also dedicated her life to this sport,” he added.
“Together with our incredible coaching team and dedicated staff, we aim to create an environment where every young person, teenager, or adult can come, not only to learn and improve their tennis skills but also to enjoy the journey, have fun, and be part of a larger tennis community,” Baghdatis concluded.
It should be noted that the academy, which features 12 tennis courts, is the centrepiece of the resort’s tennis facilities.
It offers tennis coaching for players of all levels, from beginner to elite.
The resort said that the academy will help to “elevate the overall level of tennis in Cyprus by focusing on players’ athletic and academic development”.