Argentine David Nalbandian has arrived for the Heineken Open looking very
relaxed, but playing down his chances of winning an 11th ATP title this week.
Last year was virtually a write-off for the former Wimbledon finalist after a
hip injury required surgery in May and ended his tournament play.
His ranking ballooned out to 64th, the first time he has ended a year outside
the top 12 since 2001, and Nalbandian initially required a wild card to gain
entry to the main draw in Auckland.
With the withdrawal of injured Romanian Victor Hanescu, he has snuck in on
his own merits, but faces a formidable obstacle - former champion Phillipp
Kohlschreiber of Germany - in the first round.
"I don't come here to win the title," he insisted. "I try to be a good player
... play some matches, win some.
"The rhythm of match is completely gone. I have to start playing again to get
back that confidence on the court, but I think I am ready.
"Tournaments are very hard. Every day, good players and tough matches ... no
one knows how I am going to fee after.
"No pressure, because I try to enjoy the matches and try to be healthy. If
all this come, my tennis will come back for sure."
Nalbandian has chosen to take a low profile in his build-up for the
Australian Open. He has played some exhibition matches in Argentina, but was not
in Brisbane last week and chose not to defend his title Sydney this week.
Instead, he opted to return to Auckland, where he reached the quarterfinals
in 2002 and lost in the opening round the following year.
"I have good memories here."
In Kohlsheiber, he faces an opponent with plenty to prove after his title
defence ended with a shoulder injury in last year's quarterfinals.
But you get the feeling Nalbandian is not looking too far ahead ... for
now.
"My goal right now is not being in finals or winning tournament, but to be
healthy and play in matches ... that's the goal in the first part of the
year.
"Of course, I would like to be top 10 again, but can't be that optimist at
this moment, because no one know how I'm going to be."
