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Monte Carlo invite for Kuerten
17/04/2008 13:13 - (SA)
Monte Carlo - Two-time champion Gustavo Kuerten will play out his swan song on the Riviera as the retiring Brazilian was on Thursday handed a wildcard entry into the Monte Carlo Masters starting on Sunday.
Kuerten is set to give up his career within weeks, slowed by two hip surgeries which have never allowed him to return to the form which took him to three French Open crowns.
The 31-year-old last played in the principality in 2005, but won titles in his heyday in 1999 (against Marcelo Rios) and 2001 (Hicham Arazi).
Kuerten is due to retire after next month's French Open.
Also given a free entry by organisers was former world No 1 Marat Safin, who last showed up at the event in 2005, losing in the first round.
Safin has also been a long-term injury victim, suffering a knee injury several seasons ago which has kept him far from the form which took him to a pair of Grand Slam titles.
Other wildcards went to Croatia's Mario Ancic and Jean-Rene Lisnard of Monaco.
- SAPA
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