Grand Slam champions Del Potro and Cilic at Ricoh Open

The Ricoh Open has added two big names to the players’ list. Argentinian Juan Martin del Potro  and Marin Cilic from Croatia will perform on the grass courts of Rosmalen in June.

David Goffin, who made his debut in the top 10 this year, had previously announced his participation.

Del Potro is the current number 34 in the world ranking, but is working on a successful comeback after his long lasting injury on both wrists. The former world number 4 and 2009 US Open Champion surprisingly won the Davis Cup last year. His list of  honor includes 19 singles titles and a silver Olympic medal, which he won in Rio in 2016.

Cilic is the US Open champion of 2014 and the current number 9 of the world ranking. The tall Croatian played in the Davis Cup final against the Argentinian team of Del Potro last year. The strong server reached the quarter-final at Wimbledon the past three years and is feeling confident on grass.

Cilic played once before in Rosmalen. In 2006 he was defeated in the opening round by Tommy Robredo. Del Potro reached the semifinal in his sole performance on the Brabant grass courts. He was defeated by David Ferrer in 2008.

Goffin had previously announced his participation in the Ricoh Open 2017. The Belgian player reached the final of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Ahoy in February and, 26-years-old, is currently on the top of his career. In 2017 Goffin reached the final in Sofia, Bulgaria and the last eight at the Australian Open. The player from Rocourt was losing finalist in 2015, the last time he was in Rosmalen.

So far the Dutch honor will be defended by Kiki Bertens and Robin Haase. Unfortunately Bertens had to withdraw from the Ricoh Open last year. The Roland Garros semifinalist had a calf injury. Robin Haase reached the final in 2015, but had to acknowledge the superiority of Gilles Muller who later played in the final.

The Ricoh Open takes place from 12 untill 18 June at the grass courts at the Autotron in Rosmalen. Traditionally a men’s and ladies’ tournament will be staged.