CHENNAI: Playing in India for the first time, Swiss tennis star Stanislas Wawrinka reckons the Chennai Open would be a perfect build up for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year -- which begins on January 19 in Melbourne.
"It is important because Chennai Open is the first tournament of the year and 10 days before the Australian Open. It is the way to the Australian Open and I am very happy to be playing here for the first time."
"First tournament in any season is never easy. But I hope it is going to be better than last season," Wawrinka said at a press conference on the eve of Chennai Open.
Wawrinka, who won gold with Roger Federer at Beijing Olympics, wants to start the season on a winning note and has set his eyes on breaking into the top-eight zone this year.
"I have a good chance to win but like I said before, the first tournament is never easy. I will see how it goes after the first match."
"But Yes, I have a goal. I hope to win the Masters in London. I will play my best to be in the top eight this year," said the Swiss player.
Content with the draw, Wawrinka said he is preparing hard for the first match since it would be the season-opener for him.
"The draw is okay. For the first time I am playing a qualifier. You never believe yourself in the first tournament of the year. One has to be twice ready for the first match," said Wawrinka, who paired Roger Federer to win the 2008 Olympic gold in the men's doubles category.
The only concern for Wawrinka remains the contrasting weather conditions of the two countries.
"It is rather difficult to adjust to the conditions in Chennai as it is snowing in Switzerland," he said, adding that he would like to "have few days of rest due to jet lag".
