Baghdatis Stomps Ancic for 1st ATP Title at Beijing

"It's my first title, it's a great moment and I'm really happy about that, especially playing a great match today," the 21-year-old Cypriot said. "I didn't let him play. I made a lot of returns and put pressure on him. It was one of my best matches."

Ancic, who survived three three-setters en route to the final, was playing his first tournament since Wimbledon due to back and knee injuries.

"This was an unbelievable week for me," said Ancic, who suffered his first loss to Baghdatis in five career meetings. "Every match for me was like a final. I played five matches singles and four matches doubles, but I'm very proud of myself as it's not easy after not playing for 2 1/2 months."

Ancic was appearing in his fourth final of the year. His lone title of 2006 came on grass in 's-Hertogenbosch.

Interestingly enough, of the 133 players who have ranked in the Top 10 (since 1973), Baghdatis is one of only three players to break into the Top 10 before winning his first career ATP title. The others are Cedric Pioline, ranked in Top 10 in Oct. 1993 before winning his first title in Mar. 1996; and Mikael Pernfors, who broke the Top 10 in Sept. 1986 before winning his first title in Sept. 1988.

Baghdatis has excelled in Grand Slam play this season reaching the finals at the Australian Open and the semifinals at Wimbledon.