Swiss ace Wawrinka hoping Chennai proves lucky again

Defending champion Stanislas Wawrinka said he is targeting a good showing at the ATP Chennai Open before he gets ready for his Australian Open title defence later this month.

"I am ready for the new year. Everything is going well for me for this new season so far and everyone will be starting afresh. I will try to my best and see what I can do throughout the year.

"It is beginning of the year and we will see. I have my own plans. I hope I can win some matches here and get some wins before going to Australia. I had won the title last year and it was very thrilling for me," the World No. 4 said.

Asked about his possible meeting in the second round against 18-year-old Borna Coric of Croatia, who made phenomenal progress last season, the Swiss said it would be a tough encounter.

"He is a good player. He is young and has been playing well after some wins last year. If I have to play him, it is a tough match. It is also first match of the year. But, we will see tonight how things will pan for me since I am playing doubles also," he said.

Wawrinka said 2014 went to script for him as he won his maiden Grand Slam and was also part of the Davis Cup winning team.

"I won a lot of big matches and won Davis Cup for my country. I could not expect more, that is for sure. Finishing world No. 4 is amazing that I never did before. Again, as I said, it is a new year. Everybody is starting from zero."

On being asked if comparisons with Roger Federer trouble him, Wawrinke replied: "I do things my own way and what is best for me. I have had an amazing career so far. I have won big matches also in tournaments and keep my focus in my game."

He also refused to comment about his rift with Federer last year.

"We won the Davis Cup together and that is what happened. We finished the year together by winning the Davis Cup title and also we played exhibition matches at Zurich. So, I do not think anything else is important."

Image: Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland.

Photograph: PTI