Dutch player Sjeng Schalken arrived in Auckland yesterday keen to put a miserable year on the international tennis circuit behind him.
The 28-year-old, who with Spanish world No 13 Tommy Robredo is the first big name player at next week's Heineken Open to arrive, was hit by glandular fever for several months last year.
That led to a drop in rankings. He ended 2003 at No 17, but last year was equal 52nd, the first time in six years he has been missing from the top 50 - and for the first time in five years he did not win at least one ATP title.
Schalken won the Open title in Auckland in 1999, beating German Tommy Haas in the final, and can reflect on nine ATP singles titles and over US$5.1 million ($7.3 million) pocketed in winnings.
Years at the top level, which have included four quarter-finals and one semifinal appearance at Grand Slam events, have brought wisdom and Schalken is enjoying his tennis more than in his earlier years.
"I like playing more now, because I know what to do to win matches," Schalken said. "When I was younger sometimes I did not know why I lost a match. That's experience."
His objective is to get back among the elite of the game. He likes Auckland, is a regular and popular visitor, enjoys the atmosphere and providing he gets a good draw, will loom as a dangerous opponent for the seeds in the US$404,000 Open.
Robredo, 22, and on his first visit to New Zealand, had a workout at the ASB Tennis Centre last night.
Open tournament director Graham Pearce said ticket sales were ahead of the same time last year.
"There are a few covered stand seats left, some in the open and the 104 hospitality boxes have all been sold," he said.
Tennis: Dutchman hoping for happier days
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