Nadal confirms for Chennai Tennis Open in India

Posted 10 23 2007 6:24PM

CHENNAI, India (AFP) - World number two Rafael Nadal was the first big name to confirm his participation in the season-opening 416,000-dollar ATP Chennai Open, organisers said on Tuesday.

Nadal, winner of three consecutive French Open titles, will make his third appearance in India's biggest ATP event to be held in the southern city of Chennai from December 31.

The left-hander made it to the semi-finals in this year's edition in January, losing to eventual winner Xavier Malisse of Belgium.

"It feels great to be coming back to Chennai," Nadal said in a statement released by the organisers.

"I like the crowd and their enthusiasm and support and they always push you to give your best. I lost in the semi-finals last time and I hope to win my first Chennai Open title this time.

"I had some injuries this year but I am confident that I would make a good start to the New Year and improve my performance by playing in this tournament."

The Chennai Open is regarded by players as a build-up for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam event of the year, which is held in mid-January.