Berdych, Tipsarevic in Chennai Open

The Aircel Chennai Open 2013 has confirmed participation from World No 6 Tomas Berdych and No 9 Janko Tipsarevic in South Asia’s only ATP World Tour tennis event. The tournament, scheduled to take place at the SDAT Tennis Stadium from December 31 to January 6, will be 26-year-old Berdych’s second visit here. He kicked-off 2012 winning the Hopman Cup for Czech Republic with compatriot Petra Kvitova. The Czech continued his form reaching his career best at the US Open where he stalled the progress of World No 1 Roger Federer, defeating him 7-6(1), 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to enter the quarterfinals. In September, Berdych also led the Czech team to victory to set up a face-off against Spain in the Davis Cup final later this year. Berdych won his second ATP title of 2012 by rallying to beat top-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the Stockholm Open. Tipsarevic, who will open the new season at the Chennai Open for the fifth successive year, led Serbia to a Davis Cup first round win over Sweden early this year. During the European clay season, he compiled a 15-5 record, highlighted by win over World No 1 Novak Djokovic 7-6(2), 6-3 in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Masters. From Gulfnews