Chennai: Croatia's Marin Cilic is hopeful of making a hat-trick of titles at the Chennai Open but is wary of a tricky opener against Japan's talented Kei Nishikori as the season-opening ATP event kicks off here on Monday.
"I've enjoyed the last two years here. Winning (the tournament) is the best possible way to start a season," the Croatian told reporters on Sunday.
"Every year the field is pretty strong, so I have to see what they (significant players) are trying to do." Second seeded Cilic, he would approach the match against Nishikori "carefully." The last time the two met, the 21-year old Japanese had stunned the Croatian in five sets at the 2010 US Open.
Calling the match "more of a physical affair" than anything else, Cilic said weather conditions would be similar in Chennai and he would have to watch out.
"He is a very promising player. I have to approach the match carefully," he said. The tall Croat said after playing in Chennai for two years, he knows what to expect with respect to weather conditions. "I've got 3-4 days to adjust. I am doing everything possible to make sure I am ready," he said.
Asked what brings him to Chennai every year, Cilic said, "It's always been good for me. I don't want to change my routine. Last year, I had some tough matches to start with and the final with (Stanislas) Wawrinka lasted almost three hours."
Calling Somdev Devvarman "great for Indian tennis," Cilic said, "I've practiced with him a couple of times. He's a promising player and has a lot to offer."
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