ITALIAN tennis ace Paolo Lorenzi has been added to the Liverpool International Tennis line up – just as the 34-year-old is celebrating his highest ATP ranking.
The Fiorentina fan, who broke into the world’s top 50 this month, will play Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the event at Liverpool Cricket Club.
Lorenzi has enjoyed his best years on the circuit since turning 30.
He reached his first ATP World Tour final at the age of 32, at the 2014 Brasil Open – but is still trying to get past the first round at Wimbledon.
In 2014 he had the misfortune to face Roger Federer in the first round, but he hopes that three days on intensive grass preparation on Merseyside can help him break his Wimbledon duck.
Lorenzi will replace youngster Andrey Rublev in the men’s singles event, after the Russian withdrew through injury.
Damir Džumhur, conqueror of Rafael Nadal and Thomas Berdych in recent months, is returning and said: “I remember a lot of good matches, a lot of good fun and a lot of positive energy from last year’s tournament. That’s what brings me back this year.”
The ATP stars will be joined at Liverpool Cricket Club by Ellie Tsimbilakis (17) and Adam Jones (18) who won the qualifying finals of the 15th edition of Liverpool Hope University International Tennis Tournament and will now play on Centre Court.
Article originally published in Liverpool Echo.