Big hitter out of Open

The North Otago Open will be missing a tournament favourite this weekend.

Janos Manyai will not play after aggravating a recurring shoulder injury at the Wanaka Open on Sunday.

The 25-year-old was forced to withdraw from his quarter-final clash and requires surgery.

Manyai was ranked No8 in his native Hungary and is disappointed the inflamed injury has forced him to miss the competition.

"It's frustrating, I can't play at 100 per cent," he said. "My game is big serves and big forehands so I can't get the power without it causing me pain."

The big hitter has enjoyed coaching since his arrival in October and said he was impressed with the level of local talent.

"I've been coaching at Waitaki Boys', Waitaki Girls', Weston and Geraldine, it's rewarding to see them improve," he said.

"It's a great club [North Otago Tennis Club], every Friday there's a barbecue and a fun tournament for the kids so it's a nice atmosphere and I've really enjoyed being here."

Manyai is hoping surgery will correct the complaint and allow his explosive style to return.

Auckland-based French players Gilles de Gouy and Lucien Lemay will be returning to the competition, de Gouy threatened an upset over overall winner James Meredith in last year's semifinal.

The Frenchman had Meredith on the ropes early in their clash but the 21-year-old proved too strong after finding his rhythm, taking the contest 7-5 6-4.

The action will begin at 10am at the Chelmer St grasscourts.