CHENNAI: Stanislas Wawrinka has put an end to a seven-year jinx. The Swiss world no.8 became the first top seed since 2006 to win the Chennai Open tennis tournament when he made short work of the French underdog Edouard Roger-Vasselin 7-5, 6-2 in the final of the 19th edition on Sunday.
The last No. 1 seed to justify his billing here was Ivan Ljubicic and only five players had done it before the Croatian. Apart from notching up 250 ATP points, Wawrinka bagged $72,490 for winning his fifth career title and the fact that he was playing his 500th Tour match made the occasion special. It was Wawrinka’s second Chennai crown after his triumph in 2011.
For the 30-year-old Vasselin, who has been on the circuit for 12 years, it was a “heart-breaking moment” after falling at the final hurdle for the second time in his career. “I tried my best, but Stan was simply too good today,” said the affable Frenchman who took home a cheque for $38,180 and bagged 150 ATP points.
Wawrinka, by his own admission, expected a tougher final as his opponent had beaten him when the two met last time in Basel. So did the Sunday crowd after Vasselin’s brilliant run into the final.
With a section of the crowd cheering the underdog, Vasselin thwarted Wawrinka’s attempts to make early inroads by saving a barrage of breakpoints — as many as four — in the third game that also saw seven deuces. An unforced error from Wawrinka tilted the marathon game in Vasselin’s favour.
Thereafter both players held their serves without a much ado as the set was heading in just one direction: tie-breaker.
After serving out a love game to make it 5-5, Wawrinka produced a peach of a pass off his stylish single-handed backhand for another break point. And this time, the Swiss was not ready to let it slip through his fingers. Wawrinka finally broke Vasseline for a 6-5 lead and served out the set with another love game.
The backhand winners from Wawrinka’s racquet continued to flow as the second set unfolded with a break of serve. Vasselin showed some resistance in the following game by earning his first break point of the match but Wawrinka upped the ante by firing an ace. From then on, it was a one-way traffic till the players exchanged pleasentries.
Wawrinka promised that he would come back to Chennai for the seventh straight appearance next year. “The crowd is amazing and I feel good here,” said Wawrinka.
Wawrinka said the title gives him a lot of confidence ahead of the season’s first grand slam — Australian Open. “I am striving hard to get into the top-five and it’s a great start to the new season,” he said.
Scandinavian pair of Frederik Nielsen (Sweden) and Johan Brunstrom (Denmark) clinched their first title together by defeating Croatians Marin Draganja and Mate Pavic in a thrilling double final that was decided in a super tie-break. Nielsen and Brunstrom won 6-2, 4-6(10-7).
Results: Final: Stanislas Wawrinka (Sui) bt Edouard Roger-Vasselin (Fra) 7-5, 6-2. Doubles: Frederik Nielsen (Swe)/Johan Brunstrom (Den) bt Marin Draganja/Mate Pavic (Cro) 6-2, 4-6 (10-7).
‘Five titles in 500 matches not a lot’
‘Five titles in 500 matches not a lot’
DC/ Hari Kishore M
Chennai: Stanislas Wawrinka triumphed in the Chennai Open storming past Edouard Roger-Vasselin 7-5, 6-2 here on Sunday. Wawrinka who wants to enjoy his tennis says his best is yet to come. His thoughts in life are reflected on his forearm in the form of a tattoo that reads — “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail Better” — a quote from Samuel Beckett.
“I don’t know anything about him. I tattooed it because that’s what I think in life and in sport. You need to stay positive and try to improve always. I have played 500 matches and just have five titles, it is not a lot,” said Wawrinka.
The world number 8 also aims to improve his ranking before the end of this season. “I know I can improve. It is tough to move some places from here. They are all good players who are above me. I need to focus on my game and be consistent to improve my ranking,” he said.
The Chennai Open champion now flies for the Australian Open and admits that it is going to be a different ball game. “I have no special goal for the Australian Open. I know I can do well. It is always tough in one of the best tournaments in the world. I want to take it match after match and do my best,” he said.
Wawrinka said there is scope for improvement in his game. “I know I need to improve on my serve and forehand and play more aggressively while doing the good things I have been doing,” he said.
Runner-up Edouard Roger-Vasselin was disappointed at not crossing the final hurdle but congratulated his opponent on winning. He said he would take this as a motivation to win the next tournament, Australian Open.
“I want to win a Grand Slam this year. I hope it is the next but it depends on the draw,” he said. The Frenchman wants to represent his country in the Davis Cup soon. “We have many good players. I will try my best and hope I get into the team,” he added.
Tennis crazy fans soak up the atmosphere
Tennis crazy fans soak up the atmosphere
DC/ Hari Kishore M
Tennis crazy fans in the city converged at the SDAT stadium on Sunday for the final of the Chennai Open. Tournament favourite Stanislas Wawrinka didn’t disappoint his fans as he steamrollered Edouard RogerVasselin 7-5, 6-2 in the final.
While predominant sections of the crowd were cheering for Wawrinka, Vasselin too found some support in the crowd. “I am from France and would love to see my compatriot winning,” said Chloe Renault.
Another fan, Jenone Gasser says supporting the underdog is fun. “It is fun to support Vasselin.
“Wawrinka and Vasselin are ranked 44 spots apart and hopefully my support can motivate Vasselin,” laughed Gasser. At one point the crowd went berserk with “Rogerrrr, Roger” in the Sachinnn Sachin style. And when Wawrinka hit an ace to claim the championship point, the entire stadium rose to their feet with thunderous applause for the new champion.
The crowd reserved their best shouts with ‘yes’ when the host asked Wawrinka on whether he would come back next year, and Wawrinka too hoped he would be back here in 2015.
