World number two and two-time French Open Champion Rafael Nadal has confirmed participation for the 2007 Chennai Open.
The US $ 400,000 Open, South Asia's premiere ATP tennis tournament, now in its 12th year, will be held from January 1-7, 2007 at the SDAT Stadium at Nungambakkam, Chennai.
Nadal participated in the event in 2004 (then Tata Open) as a 16-year old rookie.
While he lost in the first round to Frenchman Thierry Ascione in single, he teamed up with Spanish compatriot Tommy Robredo to win the doubles title.
"The Chennai tournament is a great event and the enthusiasm of the crowds is very encouraging," said Nadal, who pulled out of the tournament last year due to injury.
"I love India and it's a pleasure to be coming back there. I cherish my doubles title in Chennai. I hope to make good in singles this time and am really looking forward to playing at the Chennai Open. I am confident that I will raise my game to the highest level and get a great start to the new ATP Champions race in 2007."
Tournament Director Fernando Soler said "It feels great to have the World No 2 player, Rafael Nadal confirm his participation for the tournament. Rafael has always enjoyed playing in Chennai and I am sure tennis fans this year can look forward to meeting him and watch some spectacular tennis from this Grand Slam Champion this year."
Rafael Nadal, with some spectacular performances has had another successful year in 2006, highlighted by his fierce rivalry with World No 1 Roger Federer.
In March 2006, Nadal handed Federer his first loss of the year at the final in Dubai, winning 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. Nadal defeated Federer again at the Monte Carlo Masters, and Rome Masters final. They met again the French Open finals, where Nadal with an undefeated 2006 clay court season, firmly stamped himself as the dominant clay court player in the world and as the only player able to beat Federer consistently.
The rivalry resumed again at the Wimbledon finals. Federer this time got better off Nadal defeating him in four sets but despite the loss, Nadal exceeded most expectations just by reaching the finals, winning more matches at the tournament than he had ever won on grass before.