Many tennis fans are excited about the return of Joachim Johansson, who is most affectionately known as Pim-Pim.The former world no. 9 from Sweden announced last week that he would resume his professional tennis career starting at the Stockholm Open, where he has received a wild card for the main draw, which starts on Monday.
The 26-year-old Johansson originally retired from the ATP circuit in February after suffering from shoulder injuries for three years.
“My shoulder feels much better and when Pelle (Per Hjertquist, Tournament Director) asked me to play here it felt like a very exciting challenge," Johansson said.The Stockholm Open will be Johansson’s only event in 2008, while he will resume a full schedule starting in 2009.
"It’s extra special for me to play this tournament, with home court advantage and with the wonderful atmosphere in the arena.”
The 6’6’’ right-hander played his last professional match in Stockholm last year, defeating Carlos Berlocq in the first round before withdrawing from his second match due to illness.
Johansson captured three ATP titles during his professional career. His best Grand Slam performance came at the ’04 US Open, when he beat defending champion Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals before falling to Lleyton Hewitt in the semifinals.
He reached a career-high No. 9 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings on February 14, 2005.
(Via menstennisforums, Image via joachimjohansson.org)
