Nalbandian hires Jaite as coach in bid to lift ranking

LONDON, July 14 (Reuters) David Nalbandian has hired fellow Argentine Martin Jaite as his coach in a bid to get back into the world top 10, the former number three, now ranked 24, said in a statement issued in Buenos Aires.

Jaite, a 42-year-old former tour player with considerable coaching experience, will start work with Nalbandian before next month's Montreal Masters Series event, part of the North American hardcourt circuit.

''I believe I need the extra help and experience that Martin has to try to lift my tennis back to the levels I reached at one time,'' said the 25-year-old Nalbandian, the 2002 Wimbledon runner-up who has five titles and helped Argentina to reach last years Davis Cup final.

''I think he has to be up there, because of his tennis, his quality and his mentality,'' said Jaite, who won 12 titles and reached a career-best ranking of 10th in July 1990.

Nalbandian, who had been without a coach since last year, was due to leave Argentina for the US tomorrow for this week's Los Angeles Cup.

REUTERS SAM KP2038