The Movistar Open in Santiago is the start of the so-called South American 'Golden Swing'.
The clay-court season kicks into gear as the dirt-court specialists flock to Chile for the first of a month-long series of tournaments throughout South America.
David Nalbandian is top seed and the Argentine will be looking to work his way back into the top twenty ahead of the Masters Series events. He made an impressive start to the year, reaching the Auckland final and defeating Lleyton Hewitt in an epic five setter at the Australian Open before falling injured in the next round.
Tommy Robredo is another experienced clay-court campaigner looking to make his mark this week. Robredo slipped off the radar after a dire 2010 season but he rebounded at the Australian Open, making the fourth round and testing Roger Federer in the process.
Brazil's Thomaz Bellucci is back to defend his title. The talented left-hander followed in the footsteps of his idol Gustavo Kuerten by claiming the Movistar Open crown last year and if he can add some consistency to go with his natural flair he may well emulate more of Kuerten's achievements in the future.
