Estoril Open News and Events

João Lagos at the press conference

© JLS

João Lagos Sports, organizer of the Estoril Open, announced a first trio of stars that will highlight the 20th edition of its ATP Tour/Sony Ericsson WTA Tour event. James Blake, who will compete for the first time in Portugal, and past champions David Nalbandian and Nikolay Davydenko will participate in 2009.

"James Blake is one of the players I like to watch the most", João Lagos said. "He has a highly physical and spectacular style, based on that tremendous forehand of his. James is also a well respected champion within the pro tour and the story of his life transcends the sport and makes him an example to all of us."

"I'm sure the Portuguese public will appreciate his powerful tennis and charming personality, just like the return of two of the strongest names in the tournament history will be appreciated: David Nalbandian has won the last two times he played the event and Nikolay Davydenko shares the record of most finals played with Thomas Muster," the tournament director said.

Ten years after his countryman Todd Martin played and lost the 1999 final against Albert Costa, American James Blake is the novelty amongst the three announced names, while Nalbandian won at the Estádio Nacional Tennis Complex in 2002 (beating Jarkko Nieminen) and 2006 (versus Nikolay Davydenko).

Davydenko won in 2003 (beating Agustin Calleri) and lost two other finals – one in 2006 against Nalbandian and in 2008 versus Roger Federer.

Nalbandian shares the most wins in the tournament with Carlos Costa (1992, 1994) and Thomas Muster (1995, 1996), while Davydenko shares the most finals precisely with Muster (who also played and lost the 1998 final against Alberto Berasategui).

The tournament will be back in May for its 20th edition after being played in April in 2008. The qualifying event will start 2 May.

Get to know James Blake

Get to know David Nalbandian

Get to know Nikolay Davydenko