Stanislas Wawrinka Lifts Chennai Title

Stanislas Wawrinka got his season off to a winning start as he captured the Aircel Chennai Open, seeing off Xavier Malisse in three sets.

Wawrinka had come through a tough semi-final clash with Tomas Berdych to reach the final and found himself 2-4 down in the opening set.

But the Swiss number two rattled off five of the next six games to snatch a closely fought set 7-5 from his Belgian opponent.

Into the second and it was still Malisse who was piling on all the pressure as he carved out an early break point.

Wawrinka was unable to get the set back on level terms as Malisse wrapped up the second set to send the match into a third and final set.

But as Wawrinka stepped on the gas Malisse was unable to keep up high standard of tennis in the third set and Wawrinka took full advantage of his opponent’s serving difficulties.

Wawrinka broke in the second and sixth game to dominate the third set and wrap up a  7-5, 4-6, 6-1 victory.

Speaking to the ATP after the match Wawrinka said: "I'm more than happy, it was a perfect week. I improved my game day after day and finished with a great match.

“It's amazing to have the trophy today. It's a perfect start to the year. I have one week to be ready for the Australian Open and this will give me a lot of confidence for the first Grand Slam.”

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw