Tennis Update: Feliciano Lopez will return to defend title at 2011 Johannesburg event
A part of the hard court series, the ATP event at Johannesburg follows immediately after the prestigious Australian Open. Played at Montecasino, the SA Tennis Open is an ATP 250 event held annually in February.
Tournament Director Ian Smith said of the event, “Considering that the Australian Open is played just before the South African tournament, making top-20 players hard to acquire, South Africa has put together a most competitive
and interesting field.”
Though the event may not have the high ranked players, a star has returned to the South African arena. Spaniard Feliciano Lopez confirmed his participation in the event for the year 2011, ready to defend his title.
Ranked 32nd in the world, Lopez won his only 2010 title in Johannesburg. Moving past the early rounds, Lopez met Rajeev Ram in the quarterfinals. In a straight set victory, Lopez went ahead to meet Gael Monfils in the
semis. In a three setter that ensued, Lopez defeated Monfils 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(1) to meet Stephane Robert in the finals. In a straight, yet not so simple, set victory Lopez won his first and only title of 2010 ending his six-year long title drought. With no other
title wins or final appearances for the rest of the season, Lopez finished the season with a win-loss mark of 26-24.
Excited with the return of the 29-year-old Spaniard, Tennis SA said, “He is an exciting player to watch and has had some outstanding results this year, notably a straight-sets victory over world number one Rafael Nadal at the Queen’s
Club at London in June,”
Another professional returning to the event will be rising local, Kevin Anderson. Ranked 61st in the world, Anderson missed the home tournament due to an injury in 2010. 2008 finalist Jeremy Chardy will also be making
his way back to Johannesburg after pulling out of the event due to an injury.
Joining these players in the main draw will be Lu Yen-hsun, Janko Tipsarevic and Paul-Henri Mathieu.
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