Former top 10 player Nicolas Lapentti is set to play in his first professional tournament since the 2010 French Open after receiving a wildcard into the doubles draw at the Ecuador Open.
The 40-year-old is best remembered for his run to the semifinals at the 1999 Australian Open and peaking at a career best of 6th the following year. Throughout his career, Lapentti won five titles on the ATP Tour and played in 38 Davis Cup ties (an all-time record for an Ecuadorian player).
Taking to the Quito clay courts this week, Lapentti will play in the doubles alongside his brother Giovanni. Giovanni, who achieved a ranking high of 110th in 2005, will officially retire from tennis this week at the age of 34.
“We talked to Nico and although he took time to decide whether to accompany me (in the doubles) it will be a pleasant experience.” Giovanni told El Telegrafo about playing alongside his brother.
“Our children have never seen us play and this will be a special occasion. Injuries have been present in recent years and there comes the decision of retirement, to spend more time with my family.”
The last time the Lapentti brothers teamed up together was for a Davis Cup clash in 2010 against Croatia. One of their most memorable wins occurred in 2000 when they defeated Tim Henman and Arvin Palmer in a Davis Cup match hosted at Wimbledon.
The selection of Quito as the location to end Giovanni’s career is one the brings back happy memories. Not only is it the location of Ecuador’s sole ATP Tournament, it is also where the 34-year-old has won a Challenger title four times.
“It will be very special,” Giovanni said about his farewell tournament.
“For being my last tournament and more for playing with my brother. We live many parties together representing the country. “
Despite this week being a celebration of his brothers career, 40-year-old Lapentti has insisted that he won’t be treating the event as a simple exhibition.
“It does not stop being a professional tournament,” he explained.
The first round of the doubles tournament will see the brothers played the unseeded Chile-American duo of Hans Podlipnik-Castillo and Max Schnur. In the singles, Giovanni will start against seventh seed Thiago Monteiro.
