To The Chennai Open, With Love

For most players and fans, the yearly tennis calender usually begins with the Australian Open, the first grand slam. But if you ask some of us, tennis rings in the new year with the Chennai Open.

There is no legendary strawberries and whipped cream snack here. There is no fiery red clay court waiting for the players. The Chennai Open is where the world's best tennis players are made to use cricket bats to hit tennis balls to the cheering crowd. The Chennai Open is where mothers bring their eager kids and remind them to watch the match carefully and carry home tips for that elusive drop shot. The Chennai Open is where senior citizens earnestly debate Federer vs Nadal with College students. The Chennai Open is where you hear gems like 'What a straight drive!'

This is a tournament like no other. As a fan who has watched five editions of this ATP Tournament, The Chennai Open has become a personal experience, something close to my heart. Tennis fans have had the fortune to watch the likes of Rafael Nadal, Carlos Moya, Tomas Berdych, Ivan Ljubicic, Marin Cilic, Stanislas Wawrinka, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi here. And the players have been treated to an electrifying atmosphere and a crowd that will appreciate good tennis no matter who plays it.

2011 Aircel Chennai Open Champion, crowd favourite Stanislas Wawrinka

Feeble Mexican waves can be spotted amidst the mind-blowing cheer of 'India! India!' when 'Lee and Hesh' are playing. This is the crowd that takes upon itself to 'cheer up' and encourage a player who's just double faulted in a crucial point. Umpires might not love the din and explosion of sounds that come with the Chennai Open, but the players almost always seem to. Janko Tipsarevic remarked that the crowd made him feel like he was playing the Davis Cup in a home stadium. Compliments don't get any better than that!

Sport is not just about those who play it. Sport is also about the fan who won't move her fingers from her cheek or lean forward, fearing it might jinx the match. Sport is also about the young boy who does his homework between points, while cheering madly for his favourite player to win. Sport is also about the thousands of people who give a standing ovation to both the winner and the runner-up. The Chennai Open exemplifies this spirit of sport and the sport lover.

The tournament will stay in Chennai for the next two years and one only hopes that this can become a permanent fixture in the tennis calender. To all the players, the organisers and the audience who made this year's tournament as unforgettable as ever, a heartfelt thank you. To Xavier Malisse, this year's runner-up and 2007's champion, best wishes for a great year in tennis. To Stanislas Wawrinka, 2011's Chennai Open Champion, may this tennis year be as wonderful as your one-handed backhand. And come back to defend your title in this magnificent city!

Related Links:
Wawrinka clinches Chennai title
Stanislas Wawrinka crowned Champion