Tennis Update: Stanislas Wawrinka awarded wild card in Chennai
World number 21 Stanislas Wawrinka announced today that he would be returning to the 2011 Aircel Chennai Open. Wawrinka confirmed his entry into the singles main draw after receiving a wild card entry. An ATP 250 event, the Chennai
event is the second event of the men’s tennis season. It is played on outdoor hard courts at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Chennai, India.
Wawrinka’s last run in the Chennai event was in 2010 when he made it all the way to the finals meeting defending champion, Croat Marin Cilic for the title battle. After his impressive performance in 2010, the Swiss receiving the
wild card today provides Indian tennis fans the possibility of a possible 2010 final rematch.
Talking about his participation in the event, Wawrinka said, “I am looking forward to Aircel Chennai Open 2011, as I had great memories of the tournament last year, both on and off the court. I hope to be in the finals again
and look forward to competing in front of the Chennai crowd, who are very enthusiastic and appreciative of the sport. I am grateful to the organizers at ACO for providing me the opportunity to compete in this event.”
Wawrinka finished 2010 after making it to the third round of the BNP Paribas Masters. With a 36-19 win-loss mark for the season, Wawrinka managed to win only one crown in 2010, winning it at Casablanca. One high point of the season
was his quarterfinal run at the 2010 United States Open, which he moved into after defeating world number four Andy Murray. This was the furthest he has ever been at any Grand Slam event.
The tournament administration is excited about top players playing in the event. Tournament Director, Fernando Soler said, “We are excited at the prospect of having Wawrinka in Chennai again. I’m also certain tennis fans in
Chennai are going to be thrilled to have an opportunity to see a former top-10 player compete again at this event. It was a close and exciting finals last year and we hope the audience will again get to witness some great tennis action.”
Wawrinka is the first player to receive a wild card entry at the event. Other wild card entries will be announced shortly. Top players in the main draw include players like world number six Tomas Berdych, 2010 titlist Cilic and
Janko Tipsarevic.
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