Tomas Berdych plans to return to competition in St. Petersburg next week after having been sidelined by appendicitis.

The ailness forced him to withdraw from the US Open, breaking a streak of 52 straight Grand Slam appearances.

Advertising

The 30-year-old told Czech press that he had begun experiencing problems in Cincinnati, but said that antibiotics were sufficient and surgery was not presently required. Describing himself as about seven pounds lighter, he has been back on court for about a week.

The world No. 9 will have new coach Goran Ivanisevic by his side, saying the Croat wants him to keep his play "as simple as possible."