Heineken Open organisers have secured the signature of another top Spaniard for next year's tournament in January, with former winner David Ferrer returning to Auckland.
The 2007 champion will join countrymen Tommy Robredo, whom he beat in the final two years ago, and former world No 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero at the tournament. It will be Ferrer's sixth appearance in Auckland - his first being back in 2003. Over that time the world No 18 has amassed an impressive record, making at least the quarter-finals in all of the five occasions he has played at the tournament.
Heineken Open tournament director Richard Palmer expects Ferrer, who reached a career high ranking of No 4 in February last year, to be one of the crowd favourites. "David is very popular in Auckland and has been adopted by the crowds, particularly the female fans," said Palmer.
"He has been inside the world's top five players and that is no mean feat."
Ferrer, who reached the semifinals of the 2006 US Open, has seven singles titles to his credit with career earnings a shade under US$7 million ($9.4 million).
His best performances this year were two runners-up placings at the strong Barcelona and Dubai events.
Palmer said it was heartening that players of Ferrer's ilk continued to come back to Auckland.
"He has shown great support of the tournament. It is always great to see a player of his stature return."
While several familiar faces are returning to Auckland next year, organisers also hope to announce some newcomers in the next few weeks.
It is understood organisers of the women's event - the ASB Classic - have also secured a significant signing in the past week. An announcement on the player, who is believed to ranked inside the top 15, is expected tomorrow.
The ASB Classic is in Auckland from January 4-9 and the Heineken Open runs the following week.
Tennis: Ferrer leads Spanish invasion
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