Tommy Robredo goes for back-to-back titles as the Latin American Golden Swing moves to Costa do Sauipe for the Brasil Open.
Robredo is the man to beat after winning the Movistar Open in Santiago at the weekend. The Spaniard put in a strong showing at the Australian Open last month, reaching the fourth round and he's determined to get back in the top 20 this year. Having won the Brasil Open in 2009 he knows what it takes.
He will face a strong challenge from top seed Nicolas Almagro who joins the South American circuit for the next few weeks. Almagro won this title in 2008 and like Robredo, looked in form at the Australian Open, powering his way to the last sixteen before losing to Novak Djokovic.
Thomaz Bellucci shone during the Golden Swing last year and he will be hoping to become the first Brazilian champion at this tournament since his idol Gustavo Kuerten triumphed back in 2004. He came very close two years ago, losing to Robredo in the final.
It will be interesting to see how Ukrainian star Aleksandr Dolgopolov fares. Dolgopolov made a name for himself at the Aussie Open with his fairytale run to the quarters, beating Robin Soderling and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga along the way. He is a brilliant shot-maker but will he have the patience against the Latin clay-court grinders.
