Former French Open champion Gustavo "Guga" Kuerten will begin his farewell tour in professional tennis at the Brazil Open on Monday.
He will face the current No. 75 in the world, the Argentine, Berlocq in the first round.
"I love to play on this court. The climate is humid, just like I like it, and I have many special memories from here. I am happy to be here. After weeks of training, I am ready to enjoy this tournament," said the three-time French Open champion in 1997, 2000 and 2001.
The groups of the tournament were drawn on Saturday. Guga, the winner of the 2002 and 2004 tournaments, entered the main draw directly due to a personal invitation from the organizers. The No.677 in the world will be the only Brazilian in his group.
The other two Brazilians already guaranteed to play in this year's tournament are Thomaz Bellucci, the world No. 183, and Marcos Daniel, the world No. 110. Bellucci who will have to face off against veteran Nicolas Lappentti, from Ecuador. Daniel will play against Aussie Peter Luczak.
The qualifying round began on Saturday, and will end on Sunday with four main draw berths on offer. The tournament begins on Monday in Sauipe, Bahia.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article