World No 12, and winner of the doubles Gold Medal at the Beijing [ Images ] Olympics [ Images ], Stanislas Wawrinka has confirmed his participation for next year's Chennai Open.

The 14th edition of $ 450,000 Chennai Open will be held from January 5-11 at the SDAT Stadium at Nungambakkam.

Wawrinka reached a career high ranking No 9 on June 9, 2008. Along with Roger Federer [ Images ], he is became one of two Swiss players in the ATP top 10. His greatest achievement till date was when he won the gold medal for Switzerland [ Images ] in the men's doubles event at Beijing, partnering Roger Federer.

After defeating the crack Indian pair of Leander Paes [ Images ] and Mahesh Bhupathi [ Images ] in the last eight and the favoured American Bryan twins, Mike and Bob, 7-6(6), 6-4, in the semi-finals, Wawrinka and Federer defeated Simon Aspelin and Thomas Johansson of Sweden in the finals, 6-3, 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-3.

Wawrinka considers clay his best surface and the backhand his best shot.

Confirming his participation, Wawrinka said, "This will be my first visit to India [ Images ] and Iam anxiously looking forward to playing at the Chennai Open. I hope to give a good and consistent performance here."