Tennis: Fourth top 20 player for Heineken Open

3.10pm

Another top ranked player is set to be announced for January's Heineken Tennis Open in Auckland.

It is understood American world number 19 Vince Spadea is heading down under again.

Spadea has been a regular visitor to Auckland and made the quarterfinals this year.

He has risen into the top 20 this year on the back of some solid results including winning a title in Scottsdale.

Spadea is now the second-ranked American behind Andy Roddick and has been in a dispute with the Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe for the Davis Cup final against Spain next month.

He did not get selected, with lower-ranked players Mardy Fish and Taylor Dent picked instead.

If confirmed, Spadea will be the fourth top 20-ranked player announced for the Heineken Open, joining Guillermo Coria, Tommy Robredo and Dominik Hrbaty.

- NEWSTALK ZB