<p>If Serbian Janko Tipsarevic fancies himself as a top contender for the title in the 2012 ATP Aircel Chennai Open, then it is not without good reason, especially since he ended the year on a high with a win against World No 1 and compatriot Novak Djokovic at the Tour Finals in London.<br /><br /></p>.<p>In fact, 2011 was a good year for the 27-year old Serb, who broke into top-10 for the first time in his career after starting the year at No 49 and capped it with the win against Djokovic, who himself had a tremendous season with three Grand Slam titles.<br /><br />“Even though I don’t like playing against close friends, it was a great way to finish the season,” Tiparevic said as he prepared for the Chennai Open beginning here from Monday.<br /><br />“It was an intense match because we are both good friends and know each other’s games inside out. Regardless of that I played really well,” recalled Tipsarevic of his win against Djokovic.<br /><br />For all his talent, Tipsarevic is still to win the Chennai Open where he reached the semifinals in the previous two attempts.<br /><br />“I like the tournament, but mainly I like the people. It is a great event in my opinion. Even though I somehow don’t expect it, the crowd is amazing –– even if I play against Indians, especially in night sessions.<br /><br />“It is the people that make the difference, really polite, easy going and with a lot of respect towards players,” said Tipsarevic.<br /><br />Gil replaces Haase <br /><br />Frederico Gil of Portugal will replace World No. 45 Robin Haase after the Dutch sixth seed was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury.</p>
<p>If Serbian Janko Tipsarevic fancies himself as a top contender for the title in the 2012 ATP Aircel Chennai Open, then it is not without good reason, especially since he ended the year on a high with a win against World No 1 and compatriot Novak Djokovic at the Tour Finals in London.<br /><br /></p>.<p>In fact, 2011 was a good year for the 27-year old Serb, who broke into top-10 for the first time in his career after starting the year at No 49 and capped it with the win against Djokovic, who himself had a tremendous season with three Grand Slam titles.<br /><br />“Even though I don’t like playing against close friends, it was a great way to finish the season,” Tiparevic said as he prepared for the Chennai Open beginning here from Monday.<br /><br />“It was an intense match because we are both good friends and know each other’s games inside out. Regardless of that I played really well,” recalled Tipsarevic of his win against Djokovic.<br /><br />For all his talent, Tipsarevic is still to win the Chennai Open where he reached the semifinals in the previous two attempts.<br /><br />“I like the tournament, but mainly I like the people. It is a great event in my opinion. Even though I somehow don’t expect it, the crowd is amazing –– even if I play against Indians, especially in night sessions.<br /><br />“It is the people that make the difference, really polite, easy going and with a lot of respect towards players,” said Tipsarevic.<br /><br />Gil replaces Haase <br /><br />Frederico Gil of Portugal will replace World No. 45 Robin Haase after the Dutch sixth seed was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury.</p>
