Federer, Roddick to play in Kooyong Classic

MELBOURNE (Reuters) – World number one Roger Federer will
return to suburban Melbourne to defend his Kooyong Classic
invitational tournament title in January, organizers said on
Thursday.

Switzerland’s Federer, who won the Wimbledon and U.S. Open
titles this year, will be making his third appearance at the
eight-man event that runs from January 11-14.

American world number four Andy Roddick has also accepted
an invitation to play in the traditional warm-up event for the
Australian Open, which begins on January 16

Tournament director Colin Stubs said he was still
conducting negotiations with crowd favorite Andre Agassi, who
would be appearing for the ninth time should he decide to
attend.

“I will get on the telephone next week, but we have got an
indication that he (Agassi) wants to come back down here,”
Stubs told a news conference.

Former Wimbledon finalist David Nalbandian of Argentina has
also been confirmed for the tournament, as has compatriot
Guillermo Coria and Germany’s Tommy Haas.

Stubs said he was also trying to persuade 2005 Australian
Open champion Marat Safin to round out the draw.

Australian number one Lleyton Hewitt had been asked to
attend, though he had chosen to play the Sydney International
tournament instead, Stubs said.