Sixth top 20 player announced for Heineken Open 2015

Sixth top 20 player announced for Heineken Open 2015 with World Number 17, Tommy Robredo added

Organisers of the Heineken Open announced today that Spain’s Tommy Robredo will join the 2015 field, adding a remarkable sixth player ranked inside the world Top 20 to an outstanding field – the best line-up the tournament has offered to date.

The world number 17 has had yet another super consistent year, reaching the third round or better at all four Grand Slams. He made semi-finals in Buenos Aires, quarter-finals in both Barcelona and the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati, as well as the finals in Umag, Shenzhen and Valencia.

The ever-present Robredo pulled off big wins against Top 10 players Marin Cilic, Richard Gasguet and most notably a victory over world number one, Novak Djokovic at the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati.

However, it has been the second half of the season that has ensured the popular Spaniard remained well entrenched in the world’s top 20.

After reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon, where he pushed the king of grass Roger Federer, Robredo went on to make the fourth round of the US Open, and finals appearances in Shenzhen and Valencia, meeting world number 6 Andy Murray on both occasions. While the Scot came out on top in each meeting, the pair battled out a gruelling 3 hour 20 minute match to decide the title in Valencia – the longest final on tour this year, with Murray describing the match as an “increadible match” and something he had to work hard for.

The former world number 5 recorded his 500th career ATP victory when he beat Jeremy Chardy in the semi-finals of Shenzhen.

“We are thrilled. Not only to have six top 20 players, but to have such contrasting styles will ensure some quality matches,” said Tournament Director, Karl Budge.

“It’s not often we have top 20 players headlining Monday and Tuesday, and this year it appears we will have some real excitement with the likes of Tommy and Gael Monfils kicking off our action,” added Budge.

Robredo joins the best Heineken Open line-up to date, consisting of top seed David Ferrer, Ernests Gulbis, defending champion John Isner, Kevin Anderson, Monfils and rising star, Dominic Thiem.

Heineken Open | 12 - 17 January, 2015 | ASB Tennis Arena in Auckland
Tickets available now from Ticketek | More info at www.festivaloftennis.co.nz

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