HONG KONG — Andy Murray's coach Ivan Lendl Monday welcomed Rafael Nadal back from a long injury layoff, but said it was too early to judge whether the 11-time Grand Slam winner would be at his best. The Spaniard swept to a straight sets victory over countryman David Ferrer at the Mexican Open Saturday, his second title in three events since returning from a seven-month absence with a left-knee injury. The so-called ‘Big Four' — Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Nadal — are set to be reunited at the Indian Wells Masters later this week, but Lendl cautioned against reading too much into the 26-year-old's comeback wins. “He's a great champion and it's always sad when someone like that gets injured and cannot play. So it's great to have him back,” Lendl said. “As far as how it affects anyone's chances — well he's a great competitor. It's a little bit early to judge. But there are many more tournaments to come before the French (Open) and before Wimbledon. “You cannot underestimate Roger, Novak has been playing well, and Rafa — we'll see how he's doing.” Gulbis captures Delray title Ernests Gulbis celebrated his second Delray Beach International title after edging French journeyman Edouard Roger-Vasselin 7-6, 6-3 Sunday. Latvian Gulbis, the 2010 champion, found himself in his first final since 2011 after the top seeds all crashed out and after weathering a stiff challenge in the first set, was too strong for the 105th-ranked Frenchman. “I'm really happy. I worked hard,” the 24-year-old told reporters. “I'm exhausted now. (This is) my favorite tournament. It's the only tournament in the world I am winning.” — Agencies
