Baghdatis gets 12-year army reprieve

Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis has been given a 12-year exemption from compulsory military service in his homeland of Cyprus.

Baghdatis's suspension is valid until he turns 32. Cyprus males must serve a 26-month stint in the army.

Baghdatis, the world's 27th ranked player, had been allowed limited postponements from military duty while he pursued his tennis career. His family have complained the prospect of being called up was damaging his game.

Baghdatis catapulted himself into the spotlight last month with a stunning run at the Australian Open, where he was defeated by Roger Federer in the final.

o Martina Navratilova will return in May to play in the Czech Republic for the first time since the 1986 Fed. Cup final. Navratilova said she would play doubles at the Prague Open in May. She has yet to choose a partner but she indicated it could be Czech Kveta Peschke.