Chennai, Sep 22 (IANS): Two-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka will be back here to defend his men's singles title at the 2016 Chennai Open, India's premier tennis tournament, to be held at the SDAT Stadium from January 4 to 10.

The 2016 edition, also the 20th time the event will be hosted by Chennai, will be the Swiss star's eighth visit to the Tamil Nadu capital and he will look to defend his title and claim a hat-trick of championship wins.

"Chennai Open is a great way to start the season and I look forward to my eighth year at the tournament. The last two years have been extra special since I have gone on to win a Grand Slam each year after a winning start here," said the 30-year-old.

"So Chennai has become like my good luck charm now! Being a landmark year for the tournament, I hope to reclaim my title and make this year even more special. I congratulate the organisers for bringing out this exciting contest year after year and look forward to many more landmark editions of the Chennai Open."

Wawrinka won the title here in 2011, 2014 and 2015. He also won the doubles crown with Frenchman Benoit Paire in 2013, meaning he has not returned home without a title since 2011.

The title sponsor of the tournament will be Aircel.