Juan Monaco, Alexandr Dolgopolov to play at this year’s Malaysia Open – Tennis News
Argentina’s new entrant in the list of top 10 players in the world, Juan Monaco, and the world number 17, Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine, have confirmed their participation at the Malaysia Open.
It will be an ATP World Tour 250 event, which will be held in the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, from 22 to 30 September.
Tournament director, Nick Freyer, was happy to announce Juan Monaco’s confirmation, who will take part in this event for the first time. His entry will give a huge boost to the popularity of the tournament, as the Argentinean has
been one of the most successful players in this season.
Monaco has already won three titles in this season, ending as the runners-up once. The Argentinean defeated Germany’s former world number two, Tommy Haas, in straight sets 7-5, 6-4 in the final to capture the Bet-at-home Open crown
in Hamburg. He had also reached the final one week prior to that, losing to Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia at the Mercedes Cup. The 28-year-old jumped four places in the ATP Rankings after these couple of impressive performance to enter the top 10.
On the other hand, Dolgopolov will make a comeback to the Kuala Lumpur event after a gap of one year. He participated in this tournament in 2010, losing to the then world number nine, Mikhail Youzhny of Russia, in three sets 1-6,
7-5, 5-7 in the second round.
While making the announcement of his participation in the event, Dolgopolov stated, “I have fond memories of my last visit to Kuala Lumpur. My coach Jack and I felt very comfortable and welcome in Malaysia and we are excited to
return and play the highest quality tennis. I hope it will deliver another KL Champion from my part of Europe, and I would love it to be me.”
The Ukrainian was ranked 55th at that time but he made huge strides later on, reaching the 13th position in this year’s January.
Nick Freyer, who is the tournament director, said, “Alex has come so far since he first visited our tournament ranked 55 two years ago, and it is always a treat for us to welcome back a player with extreme talent such as his.”
Dolgopolov has been unable to win any title in this so far but he has given a couple of good performances. The Ukrainian lost to the fourth ranked player, Andy Murray, in the Brisbane International final in January.
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