The Argentine returns to Auckland after losing to former champion Phillipp Kohlschreiber early in last year’s Heineken Open.

In 2011 Carlos Berlocq won three ATP Challenger Tour titles in Turin, Todi and Palermo. In doubles play, he reached two semifinals at Estoril and in Rome.

The 28-year-old comes from one of the biggest families on the professional circuit with three sisters (Mara, Fernanda, Florencia) and two brothers (Nicolas, Guillermo) all playing.

Berlocq’s favorite surfaces are clay and hard, and he considers volley his best shot.