Kuerten content with progress

Former world number one Gustavo Kuerten missed out on a quarter-final spot at the Las Vegas Open yesterday but said he was satisfied with the progress of his comeback.

The Brazilian had qualified for the round-robin stage but was beaten 6-4 6-4 by Jan Hernych.

But having only played one match in 2006 after hip surgery, world no.804 Kuerten said he was pleased with his efforts.

"I was able to play well and hit the ball pretty good.

"I still have doubles and it will be good for me to finish the week strong and start again next week," he said.

The Brazilian's ranking is likely to soar over the next few weeks as he has been awarded wildcards into next month's two Masters Series events in Indian Wells and Miami, which both carry significant rankings points.

The 30-year-old said the process of rebuilding his game was the most important thing.

"It will not be my only concern to win matches," he said. "Obviously I will try to win but I will work on all the other things that are important for me."

Kuerten won three French Open titles in 1997, 2000 and 2001 but said that he would only be in Paris this year if he continued to make good progress.

"The French Open tournament is so special for me, so I don't want to just go there to be there," he said.