AUCKLAND, New Zealand(AP) David Nalbandian is expected to return to the ATP tennis circuit in January at the Heineken Open, ending a nine-month layoff following hip surgery, tournament director Richard Palmer said Thursday.
The Argentine player is currently ranked 20 and is one of very few players in world tennis to have winning records against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Nalbandian is a quality player who has something special in his game as witnessed by his Grand Slam record of having reached a final and several semifinals,'' Palmer said.He's the sort of player who has the ability to really challenge for the Heineken Open title and get back into the top 10.''
The 27-year-old Nalbandian has won ATP singles title.