Brian Baker's victory over Xavier Malisse in the first round of the French Open capped a remarkable comeback. The American had not played at one of tennis' grand slams since the U.S. Open in 2005.
Baker back with a bang —
Brian Baker's victory over Xavier Malisse in the first round of the French Open capped a remarkable comeback. The American had not played at one of tennis' grand slams since the U.S. Open in 2005.
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It was not his first appearance at Roland Garros. In 2003, Baker reached the final of the boys' tournament before losing to Switzerland's Stanislaw Wawrinka, having beaten current senior stars Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Marcos Baghdatis.
The fabulous Baker boy —
It was not his first appearance at Roland Garros. In 2003, Baker reached the final of the boys' tournament before losing to Switzerland's Stanislaw Wawrinka, having beaten current senior stars Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Marcos Baghdatis.
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The previous year Baker won the U.S. Open junior boys' doubles title with Chris Guccione at Flushing Meadows in New York -- the venue where he would later spring to prominence.
Junior promise —
The previous year Baker won the U.S. Open junior boys' doubles title with Chris Guccione at Flushing Meadows in New York -- the venue where he would later spring to prominence.
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The highlight of Baker's career to date came at the 2005 U.S. Open, where he defeated French Open champion Gaston Gaudio in the opening round. He then lost to Malisse in the second round.
Gaudio gunned down —
The highlight of Baker's career to date came at the 2005 U.S. Open, where he defeated French Open champion Gaston Gaudio in the opening round. He then lost to Malisse in the second round.
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While Baker has struggled with elbow, hernia and hip injuries, his former rivals have established themselves on the ATP Tour. Baghdatis reached the final of the 2006 Australian Open, where he lost to Roger Federer.
Former rivals —
While Baker has struggled with elbow, hernia and hip injuries, his former rivals have established themselves on the ATP Tour. Baghdatis reached the final of the 2006 Australian Open, where he lost to Roger Federer.
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Baker's injuries cast doubt on whether he would ever have a top-level tennis career, but his parents always believed they would watch their son play at the famous Roland Garros venue in Paris.
A date with destiny —
Baker's injuries cast doubt on whether he would ever have a top-level tennis career, but his parents always believed they would watch their son play at the famous Roland Garros venue in Paris.
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