Estoril Open 2004 News and Events

Guillermo Cañas
© João Lagos Sports

Argentine star Guillermo Cañas has received a wild card into the Estoril Open. Cañas, who was out of action for eight months in 2003 after undergoing surgery on his right hand, will make his second appearance in the tournament and first since 2000.

The 26-year-old from Buenos Aires, who won the Challenger in Espinho six years ago, finished 2001 and 2002 at No. 15 in the world before slipping to 274 after his injury last year.

So far in 2004, Cañas has reached the semifinals in Acapulco as well as the fourth round at the Australian Open and the NASDAQ-100 Open in Miami.

"I am very grateful to be able to return to Portugal," said Cañas. "I won there in Espinho in 1998, and that win gave me the chance to reach the Top 100 for the first time in my life. I hope I can repeat that performance, but it would be very difficult at the Estoril Open.

"I am very happy with this wild card for the Estoril Open. For me, it is very important to start my preparation for the European clay season early. I have reached the semis in Acapulco and I am willing to get to Portugal and play well and try to reach the final - after David [Nalbandian's] win in 2002 and the final with Agustin [Calleri] last year, I hope I can continue to give a good image of our tennis and that I can play the final on Sunday."