Wawrinka wins Chennai Open title

CHENNAI: Stanislas Wawrinka overcame Xavier Malisse in three sets by winning the $450,000 ATP Chennai Open title. The Swiss survived a mid-match lapse in concentration to outclass the 60th-ranked Belgian 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 in two hours and 14 minutes.

Wawrinka served superbly, taking advantage of his rival’s hesitant backhand play. “I am happy to start the year well and win after losing in the final last year,” said Wawrinka.

The final turned Wawrinka’s way when he broke Malisse in the second game of the third set, and again in the sixth game, to run up a 5-1 lead, before serving out the match.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10^th, 2011.