GUILLERMO CANAS was back making waves again after being persona non grata on the ATP Tour for 15 months while serving a drug suspension.

The 29-year-old Argentinian, who last month won his first tournament in three years, easily beat Czech Jan Hajek 6-1, 6-1 in a first-round match Saturday at the US$5.3 million ATP/WTA Pacific Life Open tournament. He then continued his streak to stun No. 1 Roger Federer.

Canas got into the tournament as a “lucky loser’’ from qualifying when Xavier Malisse withdrew. He had once been No. 8 in the world.

“It is great to be back,” said Canas.

This is Canas’ first Masters Series tournament since 2004 as he continues his comeback from a doping suspension that had seen him originally banned for two years before he successfully had his sanction cut to 15 months.

Canas had been banned after he was found to have taken the prohibited diuretic hydrochlorothiazide at Acapulco, Mexico, in February 2005, where he was beaten by Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals.

His suspension was cut to 15 months after he argued that the substance was contained in medication given to him by tournament officials. The ban started in June 2005 and ended in September 2006.

(SD-Agencies)