Kuerten to return in Valencia after six months out

Three-time French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten returns to action next week following six months on the sidelines after surgery on his right hip. The Brazilian former world number one, who recently parted company with long-term coach Larry Passos, will begin his comeback at the Valencia Open.

"I've never played in Valencia but Juan Carlos Ferrero told me it is a very good tournament and I am looking forward to playing there," he said.

"The Valencia Open will be my first match after my surgery. Never in my life, since I began to play tennis professionally, have I been so long without competing. But I have been training well and I am optimistic as I return to the circuit."