Tennis: Del Potro too big for Auckland

US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro has decided not to return to Auckland in January to defend his Heineken Open title.

The world number five had indicated at the Montreal Masters in August that he would return to Auckland, but his US Open success has forced a rethink.

Auckland tournament director Richard Palmer says del Potro will instead head straight to Melbourne. He says del Potro considered an offer to play in Auckland long and hard, but has decided to go to Melbourne to practice instead.

Palmer says they are still chasing four or five top 20 ranked players and hope to confirm at least a couple of them.

- NEWSTALK ZB