RUNER UP

Stanislas Wawrinka was the runner up in the Chennai Open tournament in 2010. In the following year, the Swiss star went one step further and won this tournament. But, he didn’t manage to defend his title last year and was defeated by Go Soeda of Japan in the quarter final.

Wawrinka will again be participating in the Chennai Open 2013 which is going to be played from 31^st of December to 6^th of January.

Wawrinka talked to the correspondent of an Indian newspaper about this tournament and about his own game. When asked about how good this tournament is, Wawrinka said, “It’s a very good event. This tournament provides fantastic preparation for the Australian Open. The courts over here are not too much different from what we get in Australia.”

“The second incredible thing about this event is the atmosphere. People turn up in big numbers to watch the matches and cheer for their favourite players. When you play in front of such jam packed crowds, it gives you a bit more motivation to do well.

“I have enjoyed participating in this tournament since the last few years and I have done reasonably well here. I have worked hard in the off season. Hopefully, that would pay off and I would manage to win this tournament again.”

When asked about the strongest aspect of his game, Wawrinka said, “I think I serve pretty well and I am also good at playing backhand shots, but, I need to do a bit of work on my forehand.”

When asked about the best moment of his career, Wawrinka said, “Winning the gold medal in the doubles competition of Beijing Olympics was the best moment of my career. Every player dreams of winning a gold medal for his country in the Olympics and only a few players have managed to do that. I am one of them. So, that has to be the proudest moment of my career.”