Tennis: Almagro joins Spanish invasion

Nicolas Almagro has won three titles in a successful 2011 season. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Auckland Tennis clicked on to their default setting yesterday, signing another Spaniard to the Heineken Open.

The talented yet temperamental Nicolas Almagro joined compatriots David Ferrer and Fernando Verdasco as the main drawcards for January's tournament.

Almagro's signing is a coup, with the claycourt specialist rising to No10 in the world after a title-laden 2011, but he does bring some baggage back with him to Auckland.

There is no doubting the 26-year-old's ability, but his appetite for an early season contest has been questionable. He has been to Auckland five times and has won as many games (five) as he has lost.

The high point was this year's trip to the semifinals, before he curled up 4-6 2-6 against David Nalbandian. The nadir was 12 months earlier when, having enjoyed the benefit of a first-round bye, he played some truly rancid tennis on his way to a 0-6 3-6 defeat to Frenchman Marc Gicquel.

That performance cost him any chance of an appearance fee at this year's event, though he will be getting a cheque for turning up next year.

Tournament director Richard Palmer had the good sense yesterday to sound pleased without being breathless about the arrival of Almagro.

"Nicolas has unlimited potential but I'm not sure we've always seen the best of him here in Auckland," he said.

With three titles and two other final appearances in 2011, the right-hander is peaking as a player, although he would like to break his duck on the hardcourts. All his 10 titles have come on clay.

The battle for Spanish national pride will no doubt be one of the talking points of the tournament, the longer the three big guns remain in the draw.

Defending champion Ferrer, ranked No5 in the world, is always a threat and it is hoped Verdasco (No24) will bring some spark to the tournament.

The full field for the Heineken Open will be announced on November 30.