TheSportsCampus

India's only ATP World Tour tennis tournament Aircel Chennai Open, now in its 15th year, will see tennis superstars like defending champion Marin Cilic, Stanislas Wawrinka and Robin Soderling competing for the coveted title.

Defending champion Marin Cilic from Croatia, ranked 13th in the world, will be competing again for the coveted title. He will have some rather tough competition though after it was announced that French Open finalist Robin Soderling and Switzerland's second most famous tennis son, Stanislas Wawrinka will also be participating in Chennai.

Looking forward to his title defense in 2010, Croatian Marin Cilic, said, "Aircel Chennai Open is gaining in stature in ATP World Tour and I expe ct a very strong line up in the event. It will be interesting to test my hard court skills again against some top players of the world. It will be fantastic to defend my title".

Confirming his participation in Aircel Chennai Open, Olympic Gold Medal winner in men's doubles Stanislas Wawrinka said, "I expect Aircel Chennai Open to be a fascinating hard-court contest between some known, seeded players and upcoming talents. India has seen an upsurge of tennis talent recently. Indian fans would be backing the local players and it is a good opportunity for them to showcase their skills against the highly seeded players of the world".

Robin Soderling added, "Aircel Chennai Open is a much awaited event in the international tennis circuit. India is a fascinating country and I am looking forward to visiting India & playing at the tournament this year."

Mr. M A Alagappan, President, Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA) added, "The confirmation from top seeded players will further enhance the popularity and recognition of the tournament amongst tennis fans. We are glad that year after year this tournament is extending its reach to a wider audience and becoming the most sought after event for players and fans alike."

Mr. Karti P Chidambaram, Chairman Aircel Chennai Open Organising Committee & Vice President, AITA said, "Aircel Chennai Open has become the most sought after event in Chennai and with participation from top players, tennis fans both in Chennai and India would look forward to another round of world class tennis on Indian soil. The legacy of Chennai Open will just grow bigger and better in Aircel Chennai Open 2010".

Mr. Ravi Krishnan, Managing Director IMG South Asia & Sr. Vice-President, IMG Worldwide said, "We are pleased that the event will continue to deliver quality players for the Indian and Chennai public to watch at "home". The tournament this year, with participation of world class tennis players like Cilic and Wawrinka is a platform for stars of the present and of the games future".

About Aircel Chennai Open 2010:

The $450,000 Chennai Open is India's only and South Asia's premiere ATP World Tour -Open 250 event. The 15th edition of Chennai Open will be held from January 4-10, 2010 at SDAT Tennis stadium in Nungambakkam, Chennai. The tournament is conducted in Chennai under the aegis of the All India Tennis Association (AITA) and is organised with the active collaboration of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) and Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA).

File Photograph Copyright: Wikimediaman123