RAGING BULL: Fans in Chennai can look forward to some high voltage tennis with Rafael Nadal confirming his participation in the 2007 Chennai Open. — Photo: AFP

Chennai: World No. 2 and reigning two-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal has confirmed his participation in the $ 400,000 ATP Chennai Open, to be held at the SDAT stadium here from January 1-7, 2007.

This won't be the Spaniard's first brush with the city. Nadal played in 2005, but missed the 2006 edition due to a foot injury. Although he lost his first round singles match, he went on to win the doubles with Tommy Robredo that year.

Raising game

While Nadal has, of late, proved slightly inconsistent against other top-20 players - he is yet to defeat James Blake, the gifted American shot maker, for instance - over the past couple of seasons he has emerged as the only man to consistently trouble World No. 1 Roger Federer on all surfaces.

He has raised his game consistently while facing Federer, and appears to have a psychological edge over the Swiss. This year alone, Nadal has beaten Federer three times on clay and once on hardcourt, losing only in the Wimbledon final after a fiercely contested four-set match. They will most likely renew this intense rivalry at the year-ending Masters Cup in China.

Nadal remained unbeaten on clay this year, and currently holds the record for the longest undefeated stretch on that surface — 62 matches.

Unfortunate

Announcing his participation in the event, Nadal said, "The enthusiasm of the crowds at the Chennai Open is very encouraging. I was unfortunate to miss this year due to injury. I love India and it's a pleasure to come back there. I've won the doubles title in Chennai. I hope to make good in singles this time. 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."

Fernando Soler, tournament director of the Chennai Open, said, "Nadal has always enjoyed playing in Chennai and he was extremely disappointed at missing this year's edition due to injury. His presence definitely boosts the prospects of the event."

The tournament, which is now in its 12th year, promises to be a stellar event, with David Nalbandian already confirming his participation; if defending champion Ivan Ljubicic returns, the tournament can boast of three top-10 entrants.

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