The courts of the Brasil Open, the only ATP event held in Brazil, "have already been criticized by players," according to Fernando Itokazu of FOLHA DE S. PAULO. The courts have "holes and bumps," which has led to players complaining about the ball changing direction after it bounces. German player Dustin Brown said the Brasil Open courts "are shit." He added, "I twisted my ankle during a game and said 'its a shit court' and I was penalized a point." Brazilian players have also recognized that the courts are "not perfect, but have refrained from being too heavy in their criticism." Bruno Soares said, "Truthfully it's not easy to play, but it's the same for everybody." Argentinia Horacio Zeballos, who won the previous week's ATP event in Chile said that the majority of players "are not satisfied." Zeballos: "This is an ATP event and the courts are not up to these standards." Brasil Open Manager Roberto Burigo said that "complaints came in earlier this week, but everything is fine now." Burigo said, "If the court conditions were not up to par, the ATP would not let us play" (FOLHA DE S. PAULO, 2/14).
NO DOUBLES FOR NADAL: FOLHA DE S. PAULO also reported Rafael Nadal "pulled out" of the doubles section of the draw citing his knee. The Spaniard will still be taking part in singles (FOLHA DE S. PAULO, 2/13).
