Tennis: World No.15 late entry for Heineken Open

Nicolas Almagro. Photo / Getty Images

World No 15 Nicolas Almagro has been given a wildcard entry into the Heineken Open tennis tournament at Auckland next month after a request from the Spanish player's management.

Almagro is the third top 20-ranked player confirmed for the January 10-15 tournament, joining his compatriot and top seed, world No 7 David Ferrer, and American world No 19 John Isner, the defending champion and third seed.

Almagro, who will be the second seed, was a two-time champion this year and made the quarterfinals at the French Open for the second time in three years.

His titles came at Bastad, where he defeated Robin Soderling in three sets in the final, and at Gstaad, where he accounted for Richard Gasquet in the final for his seventh career title.

He also featured in two ATP semifinals, at Vienna and Madrid, and was a quarterfinalist on three other occasions.

Known as an aggressive player, the 25-year-old will take to the courts in Auckland for the fifth time. His best performance was last year when he made the quarterfinals.

"Almagro is an undeniable talent who is one of the hardest hitters in the world," tournament director Richard Palmer said.

"His results in 2010 speak for themselves. Winning two tournaments and making the quarters at Roland Garros is pretty impressive.

"The fact he is No 15 in the world shows that he is a top player."

The remaining wildcards will be announced next Tuesday.

- NZPA