David Nalbandian is planning to follow the same path as Argentine compatriot Juan Martin Del Potro when he resumes his career next year.

Nalbandian, a former Wimbledon finalist and world number three, has been sidelined through injury since May and underwent hip surgery in August.

However, the 27-year-old expects to make a comeback next year and has entered the Auckland Open from January 11-16 to complete his preparations for the Australian Open, starting in Melbourne the following weekend.

Del Potro won the Auckland event earlier this year before going on to capture his first Grand Slam title at the US Open last month.

"Nalbandian is a quality player who has something special in his game as witnessed by his grand slam record of having reached a final and several semi-finals," said Auckland tournament director Richard Palmer.