Buenos Aires – top clay court talent ready for Copa Telmex

The quartet of semifinalists at Costa do Sauipe will take to the court again in Buenos Aires for the Copa Telmex. Defending champion David Nalbandian begins his 2009 campaign on Monday.

The world No. 10 heads into the tournament as the top seed. Nalbandian leads a solid field of clay-court players that includes last week’s final four at Costa do Sauipe: Nicolas Almagro, Brasil Open winner Tommy Robredo, Jose Acasuso, and runner-up Thomaz Bellucci.

Nalbandian, a champion in Sydney a little over a month ago, looks to add an 11th tour title to his resume. The Argentine won his home tournament in 2008, posting a three-set victory over compatriot Jose Acasuso. Nalbandian is set to begin his title defense against Nicolas Lapentti of Ecuador in an opening-round match on Monday night.

Second seed Almagro, a Copa Telmex semifinalist in 2007, hopes to regroup in Buenos Aires following a shock upset at Costa do Sauipe last week. The Spaniard failed to defend his Brasil Open crown, losing to qualifier Frederico Gil in the semifinals. Almagro faces countryman Oscar Hernandez in the first round.

Fourth seed Carlos Moya makes his eighth appearance in Buenos Aires. The veteran Spaniard, on a semifinals collision course with Nalbandian, took home the title in 2003 and 2006.

Former world No. 5 Gaston Gaudio, a winner in Buenos Aires in 2005, received a wildcard into the tournament. The 2004 Roland Garros champion, sidelined with injury for the past 17 months, could meet Nalbandian in the second round.
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SOURCE:
“Buenos Aires – top clay court talent ready for Copa Telmex”
News
Tennistalk
2-19-09
Kelli DeMario
http://www.tennistalk.com
http://www.tennistalk.com/en/news/20090216/Buenos_Aires_-_top_clay_court_talent_ready_for_Copa_Telmex