Reports of possible heel surgery for Janko Tipsarevic appear to have been overstated after the one-time No. 8 was announced as the final entry for the AAMI Classic in Melbourne in the run-up to the January 13 start of the Australian Open. The colorful Serb’s entry wraps up the entry for the eight-man exhibition tune-up at Kooyong Club, former home of the Open until the late 1980s.
Tipsarevic will join a field headed by holder Lleyton Hewitt, and three current top 10 players; Tomas Berdych, Stanislas Wawrinka and Richard Gasquet. Also playing is Spain’s Fernando Verdasco, winner of the World Tour Finals doubles crown last month plus young guns Kei Nishikori of Japan and Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov.
“Kooyong is a fantastic place to prepare for the Australian Open and I’m looking forward to playing in this great event,” said Tipsarevic, ranked 36th who has been having trouble with his heel. Tipsarevic managed on Kooyong match a year ago before withdrawing with a wrist injury in the promotion-relegation event.
“I’ve always enjoyed competing in Australia, I’ve had some great matches in Melbourne in the past and the fans are some of the best in the world.”
Topics: 10sballs.com, Aami Classic, Australian Open, Fernando Verdasco, GRIGOR DIMITROV, Janko Tipsarevic, Kei Nishikora, kooyong club, Lleyton Hewitt, Richard Gasquet, Stanislas Wawrinka, Tennis, Tennis News, Tomas Berdych