Nalbandian well on road to recovery

DAVID Nalbandian has made a successful return to the ATP circuit, winning his first tour match since being sidelined with a left hamstring injury three months ago.

Argentina's Nalbandian beat American Rajeev Ram 6-4, 6-0 in the first round of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington. Nalbandian was ranked as high as No 3 in the world and reached the final at Wimbledon in 2002. But he hasn't played in a tournament since losing in the quarter-finals on clay at Monte Carlo in April, and he's now ranked 117th.

Meanwhile, Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic will head a quality field at next year's Hopman Cup. Justine Henin will also take part at the mixed teams championships in Perth, Australia, from 1-8 January.