Winless Baghdatis returns to Auckland

Marcos Baghdatis could light up the ASB Classic in January, like he’s done at so many other tournaments during his career.

The Cypriot will be making his third appearance at the Auckland tournament next year and hopes for the first time to win a match.

The 31-year-old, who made the final of the Australian Open in 2006, joins Juan Martin del Potro, John Isner and David Ferrer at those confirmed for the men’s tournament, beginning January 9.

He is one of the most entertaining players on the circuit and plays with a lot of passion.

His most infamous moment came at the 2012 Australian Open, when he smashed four racquets sitting in his chair at the change of ends in a match against Stan Wawrinka.

Classic tournament director hopes Baghdatis will bring that same energy with him to Auckland in January.

‘‘He’s our eighth seed, which means he has to play on Monday or Tuesday and he’s the type of guy that does headline Centre Court in the early rounds.

‘‘He’s that entertaining guy and you can probably guarantee there

will be a couple of smashed racquets, some screaming and smiling.’’

Others who were announced yesterday include world No 27 Albert Ramos-vinolas from Spain and his compatriot Feliciano Lopez, who is one place lower than him in the rankings.

Steve Johnson, Jiri Vesely, Tommy Robredo, Robin Haase and Adrian Mannarino are also among those confirmed for the main draw.