Melbourne – The inclusion of Spain's Fernando Verdasco on Friday into next month's AAMI Classic at Kooyong club leaves one spot open in the eight-man exhibition field.
The 29-year-old, who won the title at the event in 2010, joins a field that also includes Lleyton Hewitt and a trio of ATP top 10
aces - number seven Tomas Berdych, eighth-ranked Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka and number nine Frenchman Richard Gasquet.
Also playing are Grigor Dimitrov and Kei Nishikori, with one more participant to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Verdasco beat Fernando Gonzalez, Novak Djokovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga en route to his 2010 title at Kooyong, considered the top tune-up for the Australian Open once played at the private club.
Verdasco's singles ranking may have dropped to 30th, but his doubles skills remain a huge asset after winning the World Tour Finals in London three weeks ago with fellow Spaniard David Marrero, with an upset of the American Bryan brothers in the final.
“I'm very happy to be returning to Kooyong this year,” said Verdasco, a one-time world No. 7 playing the exhibition for the fourth time.
“Conditions in Melbourne can be tough and playing three guaranteed matches gives me the best chance to adjust and get my game ready for the first Grand Slam of the year.” – Sapa-dpa