Wawrinka set for his sixth Chennai Open

Chennai, Nov 18 (IANS) Switzerland’s World No.8 Stanislas Wawrinka Monday confirmed his participation in the 19th edition of the Aircel Chennai Open, South Asia’s only ATP World Tour tennis event scheduled to be held here Dec 30-Jan 5.

Last year, Wawrinka wowed onlookers when he partnered Frenchman Benoit Paire to lift the tournament’s doubles title in a thrilling match that lasted less than an hour. The Olympic doubles gold medallist will be participating in the tournament for the sixth successive year and is looking at doing his best to start the season on a winning note like in 2011 when he captured the singles title.

Wawrinka said, “I am glad to say that Chennai Open 2014 will mark my sixth visit to Chennai to participate in a tournament I have grown to respect and love. As always, I am really looking forward to experiencing, once more, the excitement and support of the people. I still remember the exciting atmosphere during our doubles final last year. I’m looking forward to being back in that great stadium and hope to enjoy many more victories in front of my Indian fans.”

The 28-year-old has had a terrific 2013, qualifying for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals and giving his opponents a tough fight for the title. In his debut, the Lausanne native reached the semi-finals of the season finale and though he fell to winner Novak Djokovic, he finished the year on a high, compiling a career-best 51-23 match record on the season – including nine wins against Top 10 players.

In September 2013, Wawrinka proved his class at the US Open yet again. He reached the quarterfinals for the first time in three years after a four-set win over Tomas Berdych and followed this by defeating defending champion Andy Murray in three sets for a first Grand Slam semifinal appearance. While he experienced a five-set loss against Djokovic, Wawrinka impressed the tennis world with his confidence and proficiency.

Prominent among the 27-year-old’s greatest achievements have been winning gold for his country in the men’s doubles event at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, partnering multiple Grand Slam winning compatriot Roger Federer.