Tennis fans in Chennai will finally get to witness world number four, Stan Wawrinka, at the 2016 Chennai Open, with the Swiss star set to face Russia's Andrey Rublev in the round of 16 on Wednesday.
Wawrinka, who has been one of the most successful players in the Chennai Open, winning the title three times so far, is once again the favourite to win the title, and has expectedly been seeded number one in the competition. However with players such as Kevin Anderson and Giles Muller in the fray, it is not going to be a cakewalk for the top seed.
The Swiss star is aware that fans in Chennai, who love him, expect him to go all the way and win the title as well, but Wawrinka wants to take it one match at a time and not think too far ahead.
"I've always enjoyed coming to Chennai. The tournament is a nice way to start the season, the fans are great and I like the atmosphere in the stadium. Of course I would love to defend my title but I will have to go match by match," Chennai Open official website quoted Wawrinka as saying.
Though Wawrinka may be taking it one match at a time, he must have his eyes on the big trophy, ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year -- Australian Open -- which starts on 18 January.
Rublev, who will want to give Wawrika a tough time in the round of 16, squashed dreams of many India tennis fans who wanted to witness Somdev Devvarman clash with the top seed. But it was not to be as Rublev defeated Somdev in a three set affair with the score reading 6-3, 3-6 and 6-3.
On paper, Wawrinka is expected to have an easy outing against Rublev, but the competition has already witnessed a huge upset with Vasek Pospisil's exit in the first round, after the Canadian went down to Aljaz Bedene.
Where to watch live
Stan Wawrinka vs Andrey Rublev Chennai Open round of 16 match is scheduled for 7pm IST start with live TV coverage in India on Star Sports 4 and Star Sports 4 HD with live streaming on starsports.com.
International viewers can watch Chennai Open live on Tennis TV.
