Tennis: Heineken Open signs first big name

Former world No 3 David Nalbandian is returning to New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images

The first top signing has been announced for January's Heineken Open in Auckland.

Former world No 3 David Nalbandian will return to Auckland for the first time since 2004.

He has been sidelined since May after having hip surgery and is currently ranked 20th in the world.

It is a surprise signing, given the Argentine is the defending champion at the Sydney tournament which runs at the same time.

- NEWSTALK ZB