Tennis: Del Potro set to return to Auckland

Juan Martin del Potro is keen on defending his Heineken Open title next year. Photo / Greg Bowker

Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro looks set to return to New Zealand early next year.

The world number six has indicated he is keen to come back to defend the Heineken Open title he won in Auckland this year. Del Potro says he made a lot of friends here this year and is keen to come back.

The 21-year-old's focus is currently on the Montreal Masters, where he is one of a number of top names through to the third round.

Del Potro is one of a number of top names through to the third round of the Montreal Masters. Others to advance include Andy Roddick, Mikhail Youzhny and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

However, 13th seed Gael Monfils is gone, beaten 6-3 7-6 by resurgent Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero. Outside the top 100 three months ago, Ferrero had to qualify for the main draw.

- NEWSTALK ZB