Chennai Open success makes Wawrinka tempting prospect Down Under

When Stanislas Wawrinka defeated not only Novak Djokovic but a resurgent Rafael Nadal en route to the 2014 Australian Open title, the watching world hoped that the triumph would signal the start of a new dawn in the world of men’s tennis.

After all, it was the first time both the Spaniard and Serb had been beaten by the same player at a Grand Slam event and also brought an end to the big four domination of the men’s game that had seen the quartet of Andy Murray, Roger Federer as well as Nadal and Djokovic win every major since Juan Martin del Potro’s triumph at the US Open some five years previously.

But like the big-serving Argentine before him, Wawrinka would struggle to replicate that success over the rest of the year.

That Melbourne win was quickly followed up by a first round exit at the French Open, while the Swiss star could only manage quarter-final appearances at both Wimbledon and the US Open.

There were some bright spots – winning the Monte Carlo Open in April springs to mind – but for the most part the 29-year-old struggled to reach the levels previously seen Down Under.

But just when it seemed like Wawrinka would end the year on something of a bum note the Australia Open champion received something of a boost, helped in no small part by his old friend and compatriot Roger Federer.

The pair were instrumental in helping Switzerland win the Davis Cup for the first time and it would appear that that success may have helped the 29-year-old regain some form.

That certainly appeared to be the case at the Chennai Open, with the Swiss star digging deep to retain the title he claimed last January in the tournament prior to the Australian Open.

Seeing off surprise package Aljaz Bedene in the final, Wawrinka looked to be back to his best and while other Australian Open outright bets may be more likely, he certainly looks a tempting prospect to upset the odds yet against with Ladbrokes.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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