Tennis: Notorious racquet smasher says worst days are behind him

Cypriot tennis player Marcos Baghdatis takes a breather during the ASB Classic. Photo / Getty Images

Marcos Bagdahtis says his racquet smashing days are over.

In fact, the charismatic Cypriot declared that his notorious incident at the 2012 Australian Open - when he destroyed four racquets in an extraordinary 30 second meltdown - was a one off incident when he "went nuts."

Indeed, Bagdahtis joked with a local reporter when it was suggested that while he had a reputation for getting angry and frustrated on court, he had displayed a calm demeanor during his two matches at the ASB Classic.

"[A] reputation?" said Bagdahtis. "How come? I did it once in my life. A reputation is something you do usually."

Bagdahtis has been one of the shining lights at this ASB Classic. He has featured in two of the matches of the tournament, and has quickly become a crowd favourite after just two matches on the Stanley Street centre court.

He has been great value, on and off the court, and demonstrated his sense of humour when pressed about his serenity on court.

"I'm always calm," said Bagdahtis. "It happened to me once in my life. You assume my reputation. I just went nuts once in my life and I guess everybody thinks I do it every day.

"I'm pretty calm normally. I try to fight every match and I never give up and that's me.

"That's my way of playing tennis."

Though he hasn't won an ATP title since 2010, Bagdahtis retains a high profile. That's because of his amazing run at the 2006 Australian Open - as well as many other big moments in Melbourne since then - and his ability to beat just about anyone on any given day.

His ongoing presence in the ASB Classic seems vital for the event, especially with the demise of David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez (injury) and Roberto Bautista-Agut (sickness).

"It opens up [a bit]," said Bagdahtis. "Some great players lost but it is still a very tough draw."

The 31-year-old Cypriot faces 2015 Champion Jiri Vesely on Thursday. Vesely has slipped down the rankings - currently at World No53 - but remains a dangerous player who tends to improve as tournament go on.​