"It means a lot": Kecmanovic excited to work with David Nalbandian

Miomir Kecmanovic says he's excited to be brining on new coach David Nalbandian, with the pair starting their first event this week in Nalbandian's hometown of Cordoba, where Kecmanovic is the third seed.

"It means a lot to me to have David with me now. He was one of the best of his generation and his experience could really help me a lot," the 21-year-old Serbian told the ATP website.

Kecmanovic is keeping on his regular coach Miro Hrvatin, but wants to draw on Nalbandian's experience—he's a former No. 3 and finalist at Wimbledon, and also the only player to have defeated Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic back-to-back as he did in 2007.

"He’s already mentioned some ideas to me. I hope to go far this week, but it’s important to learn, to be able to progress and we’ll gradually change," said Kecmanovic.

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Nalbandian retired in 2013 and hasn't had a lot of involvement in tennis since—he told the ATP when Kecmanovic called, he had to locate his rackets in the garage. He also agreed that changes would happen slowly.

"I’m happy to be involved in tennis again in some way, being with Miomir and trying to contribute and help with what they need and for him to grow as a player," said Nalbandian. "These days before the tournament we have to try and find some good feelings. We’ll take it bit by bit, gradually adding more, better things."

But Kecmanovic's team would like to have Nalbandian's most famous shot straightaway.

"We’re hoping my backhand might be similar to his," joked Kecmanovic.

The pair will work together in Cordoba, Buenos Aires and Santiago in the next few weeks.