World number nine Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic, who led the country to a first-ever Davis Cup title in 2005, has confirmed his maiden participation at the Chennai Open 2006 tennis tournament from January 2-8 in Chennai.
Ljubicic will replace Spaniard Rafael Nadal who had to pull out due to a prolonged injury he suffered in October that also kept him away from the year-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai. Ljubicic has been awarded a wild card to facilitate his entry into the singles draw.
"It is great to participate at the Chennai Open. I have heard excellent things about the tournament, the city and its tennis fans from various players on the Tour and am looking forward to play in this leading event. Though it is my first visit, I am hopeful of getting a good start to the ATP Champion's race in the New Year," a thrilled Ljubicic said.
Nadal's injury had also forced him to pull out at the last moment from the season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai, where he was the youngest player in more than a decade to qualify for the year's finale. He had damaged his left foot while winning the Madrid Masters final in October this year.
World number two Nadal said he was eagerly looking forward to play in the tournament, but had to pull out on the recommendations of his doctor.
"It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce my inability to play. I was eagerly looking forward to come to Chennai again and was very excited about playing there and trying to win the season's opening tournament. Both my medical team and I have been working very hard during the last few weeks so that I could participate at Chennai. But my doctor has now recommended that I don't play and it's my misfortune that I can't make it," a dejected Nadal said from Spain.
Nadal also added that he would contribute US$25,000 towards the chief minister's public relief fund for the people affected by Tsunami in Chennai last year.
"It's been a year since the devastating Tsunami rocked Chennai and other parts of the world. I was especially looking forward to being present at the fashion show and charity auction to raise monies for the rehabilitation of those affected by this natural calamity. Even though I am unable to be present for it, I would like to offer US$25,000 towards the chief minister's Public Relief Fund for this cause. I hope this contribution will help many families return to normalcy," he said.
Ljubicic enjoyed his best season in 2005 by winning two ATP titles in eight finals, finishing in the top 10 for the first time and leading his country to it first-ever Davis Cup title. Croatia became only the 12th country to win the Davis Cup in the competition's 105-year history by defeating Slovak Republic 3-2. Ljubicic was a key ingredient of his country's biggest sports achievements since gaining independence 13 years ago.
The gifted Croatian has always been capable of causing an upset and compiled a record 7-1 in singles, and 4-0 in doubles in Davis Cup play, the best record since John McEnroe went 12-0 in 1982 for the United States. He joined Goran Ivanisevic as the only Croats to rank in the top 10 in history of the ATP rankings.
