Defending champion Wawrinka confirms participation for Chennai Open

Switzerland's World No.4 tennis player Stan Wawrinka Tuesday confirmed his participation for the 20th edition of the Chennai Open to be held at the SDAT Stadium here Jan 5-11, next year.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics doubles gold medallist, with Roger Federer, is the defending singles champion of the ATP World Tour 250 points event. He had also clinched the title in 2011, having reached the final in 2010. The 29-year-old had also won the doubles title here in 2013, partnering Frenchman Benoit Paire.

"I congratulate the organisers of the Chennai Open for entering the tournament's 20th year in India. This will mark my seventh visit to Chennai and I am looking forward to being part of the action and adventure and all the festivity," said Wawrinka.

"I definitely plan to show up ready to play my best with the goal of kicking off the New Year by defending my title in Chennai."

Chairman of the tournament organising committee Karti Chidambaram welcomed the Swiss to Chennai for the seventh time.

"Chennai's tennis fans adore Stan Wawrinka, supporting his every game and rejoicing with every victory he registers. As we celebrate two decades of the tournament in the country, the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association extends a warm welcome to the World No.4. The current year has been his best until now and we congratulate him on his stupendous performance."

The title sponsor for the tournament is Aircel.