VietNamNet Bridge - Tommy Robredo from Spain was the first player to arrive in HCM City on September 29 for the Heineken Stars 2010.

Tommy Robredo at HCM City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport.

“I am happy to come and play tennis in Vietnam. I received the invitation last week. By joining the Heineken Stars, I will be in good shape for my next tournament,” Robredo remarked at a press conference on the same day.

The Spanish star, who reached the semi-finals of the Swedish Open in July, will next be competing in China.

“I also think the Heineken Stars will be good preparation for the China Open next week, which I’m playing in,” Robredo, ranked 42^nd commented. “I do not know whether I will win the tournament here or not but I will try my best. Among four players taking part, Mardy Fish, who is playing well, will be the toughest opponent at the Heineken Stars.”

Mardy Fish

Mardy Fish from the US is ranked 19^th in the world, while Sam Querrey, also from the States, is 21^st. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Juan Monaco, who arrives in HCM City today, is ranked 35^th.

According to the draw, Querrey will play Juan Monaco in the first semi-final at 6pm October 1. The second match will be between Fish and Robredo. The final will take place at 6pm on October 2.

The stars will also hold a tennis clinic for advanced junior players.

Robredo, Fish and Monaco are replacing Nalbandian, Haas and Ginepri, who pulled out of the tournament because of injury. Fish is ranked world No 19, Juan Monaco is 35th, and Robredo is 42nd.

Nalbandian was struggling with injury during France’s Davis Cup match this month and has been asked by his doctor not to play, according to the HCM City tournament organizers.

Meanwhile, Ginepri said in a letter that he had been all set to play in Vietnam and that he’d even booked his flight before injuring himself.

Juan Monaco

“Unfortunately, while participating in one of my normal training sessions, I was involved a freak accident and broke my left elbow. I had surgery on my arm two days ago,” he wrote.

Tommy Haas also sent fans his regrets and wrote that he was excited about playing in Vietnam in the foreseeable future. He said he was bitterly upset about missing Heineken Stars.

The winner and runner-up will get US$40,000 and $20,000 in prize money. The two losers will get $10,000 each.

They will also interact with fans, pose for photographs, and sign autographs at the Phu Tho Sports House.

Vietnamese fans welcomed Tommy Robredo at Tan Son Nhat Airport:

PV