Hat-trick bid won't be easy for Cilic!

World No 6 Tomas Berdych stands in the way as Croatia's Marin Cilic attempts to start the new year in style by winning a third successive title at the ATP Chennai Open

World No 6 Tomas Berdych stands in the way as Croatia's Marin Cilic attempts to start the new year in style by winning a third successive title at the ATP Chennai Open.

The lanky 14th-ranked player goes into the 450,000-dollar season-opener today hoping the winning streak of 2009 and 2010 continues for another year in the southern Indian coastal city.

The confidence gained by winning in Chennai last year helped the big-serving Cilic reach his first Grand Slam semi-final at the Australian Open and break into the top 10 in February.

But the 22-year-old failed to maintain the same momentum after that, losing in the first round at Wimbledon before suffering a second round exit at the US Open.

"It is not easy to play well through the season, but I am proud of the great start I had," said Cilic, who takes on his US Open conqueror Kei Nishikori of Japan in the first round.

"I can't wait to get back on the court after the off-season, and Chennai is a nice place to start. I have very good memories of the tournament."

Cilic is seeded second behind Chennai first-timer Berdych, who took giant strides on the circuit last year when he finished in the top 10 for the first time.

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