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Two-time Grand Slam champion Stanislas Wawrinka will be back in Chennai to defend his title at the Aircel Chennai Open 2016, India and South Asia’s Premier ATP World Tour tennis event, scheduled to be held at Chennai’s SDAT Stadium from January 4 to 10.
It will be the Swiss ace’s eighth visit to Chennai as he sets out to defend his crown at the US$ 450,000 event and claim a hat-trick of championship wins.
Wawrinka beat Slovenia's Aljaz Bedene 6-3, 6-4 in the 2015 final for his second straight Chennai Open title.
For someone who has wowed Indian tennis fans numerous times in the past, audiences are eager to see him reclaim his title. The world No 4's big serve, exceptional state of fitness and single-handed backhand, which is perhaps the best in the game, saw him beat world No. 1 Novak Djokovic at the French Open in June this year and win his second Grand Slam.
The 2016 edition of the Chennai Open will mark the 20th year of South Asia’s only and India’s premier ATP tournament in the country's tennis capital. The event, one of three tournaments held in the opening week of the season, continues to give the subcontinent access to one week of scintillating tennis action, featuring some of the best names in the highly competitive world of international tennis.
Commenting on his presence at the event, Wawrinka said, “Aircel Chennai Open is a great way to start the season, and I look forward to my eighth year at the tournament. The last two years have been extra special since I have gone on to win a Grand Slam each year after a winning start here in Chennai. So, Chennai has become like my good luck charm now!”
He added: “Being a landmark year for the tournament, I hope to reclaim my title and make this year even more special. I congratulate the organizers for bringing out this exciting contest year after year and look forward to many more landmark editions of the Aircel Chennai Open.”
Ashu Jindal, Chief Operating Officer, IMG Reliance, said, “It is a pleasure and honour to welcome Stan Wawrinka for his eighth consecutive year at Aircel Chennai Open. He is in great form with a win at the French Open and a great performance at the US Open this last fortnight. It is encouraging for us to see the continued participation from top players such as Stan and other international stars. We look forward to his enthralling performance this season.”
Image: Stanislas Wawrinka
Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images