Kuerten finds winning touch

General / Editor / 14 February 2007 / Leave a Comment

Gustavo Kuerten has won his first competitive match in almost two years after beating Filippo Volandri in straight sets at the Brasil Open.

The three-time French Open champion has been badly hampered by a hip problem since 2004 and his last success came in a Davis Cup tie in September 2005.

The win over Volandri was only the fourth match the Argentinian had played since playing for his country two-years-ago, but the 30-year-old was impressive in the 6-3 6-1 success.

Wildcard Kuerten, who served 13 aces in his opening round victory, is now ranked outside the world's top 1000 players but is upbeat over his return.
He said: "I knew it was just a matter of time. I'm improving physically and this win should give me confidence.

"I was able to serve well and maintained a good rhythm."
Kuerten is available at 21 to lift the Brazil Open title this week and if his form continues, there could be the prospect of a wildcard for the French Open.

Spain's Nicolas Almagro currently heads the market at 4.4, with Argentina's Agustin Calleri trading at 4.5.