Tuesday, 8 January, 2008

Three-time French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten has announced 2008 will be his final season on the ATP Tour.

According to the Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper, the 31-year-old - known in Brazil as Guga - is to play several competitions through the year before retiring to work as a coach.

Kuerten, who will begin his farewell tour at the Brazil Open on February 11, hopes to receive a wild card from the French Tennis Federation to compete at Roland Garros from May 26, and said: "My participation there is 99% confirmed."

He added: "I have been training well with Larri (Passos, his coach). I am following a preparation routine for 2008 which assumes I will be playing in big tournaments like Roland Garros.

"I also hope to play the Davis Cup, but I have to be named. I feel I am in good shape. If the coach calls me I am going to play. After all this, I have plans to continue working in tennis at Larri's academy and mine."

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