A Reduced Men’s Calendar Offers Exhibition Opportunities

Written by: Staff on 15th October 2012

A Reduced Men’s Calendar Offers Exhibition Opportunities

I06-19980514-ROME: Brazilian French Open 1997 winner Gustavo Kuerten returns a backhand to German opponent Tommy Haas during their third round match at the Italian Open in Rome, 14 May. Kuerten won the match 6-4 and 6-2. EPA PHOTO/ANSA/CLAUDIO ONORATI |

With the ATP season reduced by a week or two in 2012 after years of moaning from players, Novak Djokovic is wasting no time in filling his on-court diary with well-paying exhibitions during the closed season. The more weeks off, the more weeks, it seems, are being offered to the elite.

The world No. 2 is lining up a unique date in a Rio slum to face three-time French Open winner Gustavo Kuerten in the Brazilian’s home country. The hit-and-giggle for crowds which would have most likely have never seen live tennis, is set for the Rocinha shantytown, one of Latin America’s largest slums.

There is also a football friendly involved in the away day for the soccer-mad Serb, who will join Dejan Petkovic, a former player on several Brazilian sides over the past years.

Kuerten is the Nelson Maldela of Brazil when it comes to tennis, with the smiling and beloved former champion never far from the spotlight. The Roland Garros winner from 1997, 2000 and 2001 had to finally retire with a hip injury.

The 36-year-old Brazilian was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in July. Kuerten won’t be lacking for court time either in early December as he faces Roger Federer in an exhibition as the Swiss world No. 1 makes his first playing trip to South America at the elite level.

Djokovic is also on board for the Abu Dhabi exhibition in late December along with an expected appearance by Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Spain’s David Ferrer.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: ATP news, Gustavo Kuerten, Novak Djokovic, Sports, tennis exhibitions, Tennis News