LOS ANGELES - Juan Martin del Potro, the 2008 Farmers Classic presented by Mercedes-Benz champion and the 2009 US Open champion, will headline the field for the 2011 tournament that will take place July 25-31 at the Los Angeles Tennis Center on the campus of UCLA.

del Potro claimed the Los Angeles title in 2008 with a win over Andy Roddick in the championship match. That was the first hard court title of the Argentine's career. Six of his nine career titles have come on that surface.    

"I really look forward to returning to the Farmers Classic and Los Angeles this summer where I won my first major American event," del Potro said. "My tremendous early success and victory over Andy Roddick really helped me launch my run to the world's Top 10.  I have many great memories of the Farmers Classic fans, UCLA Tennis Center, and the beautiful city of Los Angeles"

Injuries limited del Potro to just three tournaments in 2010. However he's returned in 2011 and resumed his winning ways, having already claimed titles at tournaments in Delray Beach and Estoril. After seeing his ranking fall to nearly 500 in the world early this season, he has risen all the way to No. 27 this week on the strength of a 27-6 match record, which is third-best on Tour in 2011.  

Bolstered by the US Open title in 2009, del Potro has been ranked as high as No. 4 on the ATP World Tour. He is the only player outside the top three of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer to have won the title at a Grand Slam tournament since the 2005 French Open, a string of 24 tournaments.   

"We're thrilled to have a commitment from Juan Martin to return to Los Angeles," said Tournament Director Bob Kramer. "It has been great to see Juan Martin's return to health and good form. He's already put together a successful season and we look forward to him contending for a second title in LA."

The singles final of the 2010 Farmers Classic presented by Mercedes-Benz featured two Top 20 players as Santa Monica's Sam Querrey won his second straight title by defeating three-time Grand Slam finalist Andy Murray. In doubles, Camarillo natives Bob and Mike Bryan won their record sixth Los Angeles title.

Once again the Farmers Classic, presented by Mercedes-Benz, will benefit the Southern California Tennis Association. In 2010, the tournament and associated special events raised more than $500,000 for the SCTA and other charities. 

Season tickets and mini-plan tickets for the 85th annual Farmers Classic presented by Mercedes-Benz are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.FarmersClassic.com/Tickets or call (310) 824 -1010 ext. 251.

MEDIA NOTE The credential application for the 2011 event is now posted online. Please note the deadline of July 1 for the applications. APPLY HERE 

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CONTACTS:
Pete Holtermann: [email protected] or 312-218-3442
Bob Kramer: [email protected] or 310-824-1010, ext 230