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Thomaz Bellucci

June 2010 | by Monticelli

The Brazilian is one of the players likely to crack the world's top 10 in the near future and could actually win the 2010 AEGON International.

An exciting player to watch, Bellucci reached his first ATP Tour final at the 2009 Brazil Open - beaten by Tommy Robredo. But he soon bounced back to claim his maiden title at the 2009 Swiss Open in Gstaad as a qualifier. 

Added his second ATP Tour title by winning the 2010 Movistar Open in Chile to become the top ranked Brazilian singles player.

Although the Brazilian lacks power on serve, he relies on fierce spin to control the game and plays with extremely heavy topspin on his forehand to play offensively. His game suits slow courts although has the guile to adapt to other surfaces, so grass will be a real test.

Only one victory on grass in his short career, winning in the first round at 2008 Wimbledon after losing in the opening round of qualifying at the 2008 Nottingham Open.

Last won a Challenger event at the 2009 Copa Petrobras São Paulo in Brazil to claim his sixth Challenger career success and ,break into the world's top 40.

Reached last 16 of 2010 French Open.

Realistic chances of winning // Likely to make the semi-finals, depending on the draw, and very capable of winning the event.