World No 6 Tomas Berdych and world No 9 Janko Tipsarevic have confirmed for the Aircel-Chennai Open 2013, which begins from Dec 31, 2012, at the SDAT Tennis Stadium. This will be 26-year-old Berdych’s second visit to the city. He kicked off 2012 with a bang after winning the Hopman Cup for the Czech Republic with compatriot Petra Kvitová. The Czech continued his top form at The US Open, defeating world No 1 Roger Federer in the quarterfinals. In September, Berdych led the Czech team to victory to set up a face-off against Spain in the Davis Cup final.
The sportsman further displayed his prowess by seizing his second ATP title of 2012 by rallying to beat top-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in the Stockholm Open final. After making his third consecutive appearance at the season finale, Berdych defeated Tsonga but his losses to Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic ended his run in London.
Tipsarevic, who will open his new season in Chennai for the fifth successive year, led his country to a Davis Cup first round win over Sweden early this year. During the European clay swing, he compiled a 15-5 record, highlighted by a semifinal run at World Tour Masters 1000 Madrid. He beat world No 1 Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals before losing to Federer in the semifinal.
The Chennai crowd favourite helped Serbia win the World Team Championship title at Dusseldorf. It was also a season when he captured his first clay court title with a hard-fought victory over Juan Monaco. Tipsarevic had a perfect close to the season by qualifying for the World Tour Finals. Unfortunately his run was halted by world No 6 Juan Del Porto. Tom Annear will be the new tournament director of Chennai Open 2013. Annear has worked at the Sony Open for the last 17 years.
“Berdych has a huge fan following in India after he reached the semis in 2011. He has had a great year and we are sure he will continue his winning streak in Chennai. Tipsarevic is a regular to Chennai and loves to play here. He did well in 2012 and his presence will ensure that fans will get to see some fantastic games during the tournament. We are grateful to the Government of TN and all the other sponsors who have supported the event,” said MA Alagappan, president of Tamil Nadu Tennis Association.