Wawrinka set to return to defend Chennai Open title

French Open champion Stan Wawrinka has confirmed that he will return to Chennai to defend his title at the Aircel Chennai Open next year, which starts from January 4.

The Swiss player, who had also Australian Open in 2014, will be bidding to claim a hat-trick of championships win in his eighth visit to Chennai.

The much awaited Aircel Chennai Open 2016 will mark the 20th year of South Asia's only and India's premier ATP tournament in the tennis capital of India - Chennai. 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.

World number four 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 2 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!"

Wawrinka 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.