Nicolas Almagro eyes title at Chennai

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Nicolas Almagro is looking to carry forward his spectacular 2011 form into the new season as the Spanish tennis star is hoping his maiden appearance at the Chennai Open would be a triumphant one.

The 26-year-old Almagro made it to the fourth round of the Australian Open last year and reached a career-high ranking of number 9 in May before bagging his third title of the season.

“Many people said to me that the tournament is really good and the city I am going to stay in, a really good experience,” the Spanish world No. 10 said ahead of the Chennai Open that begins at the SDAT-Nungambakkam stadium from January 2.

“I hope it will be a great week for me and for all the people and we need all the supporters to have an amazing atmosphere,” he added.

The 17th edition of India’s only and South Asia’s leading ATP Tour event will feature an impressive line-up of Indian and global stars including Serbian world number 9 Janko Tipsarevic, Swiss world No. 17 and defending champion Stanislas Wawrinka and former champion Xavier Malisse of Belgium and ATP World Tour’s Newcomer of the Year award winner Milos Raonic of Canada.

“I just want to try to play my best tennis and if it is possible remain in the top 10, but I need to work very hard,” said Almagro, who had an impressive clay court run with titles at Costa do Sauipe and Buenos Aires and a third successive final at Acapulco in 2011.

“I need to work on my physical and my mental strength. I need to improve my volley and try to be regular all the season,” added Almagro, who draws a lot of inspiration from compatriot, former world No. 1 Rafa Nadal.

“Rafa has had a lot of influence on us; for all the Spanish players Rafa is a hero and all of us want to be like him,” he said.

Almagro said the low point of the 2011 season was his first round defeat at Rolland Garros in a marathon near-four-hour match against Polish Lukasz Kubot 6-3 6-2 6-7 (3) 6-7 (5) 4-6.

“Starting the new season at the Aircel Chennai Open is a new experience, and I want to play a great week with all of you,” he said.