PETALING JAYA: The fifth Malaysian Open ATP 250, which will be held from Sept 21-29 at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil, will feature defending champion Juan Monaco of Argentina and two of the world’s top 10 players – world No. 3 David Ferrer of Spain and world No. 10 Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland.
The 28-year-old Wawrinka, who is the only one among the trio yet to feature in KL, won the Portugal Open in May when he beat Ferrer in the final. The French Open quarter-finalist has yet to win a Grand Slam in his career but he clinched the gold medal in the men’s doubles in the 2008 Olympics, partnering his more illutrious compatriot Roger Federer.
Wawrinka has also beaten several top players, including world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, No. 6 Tomas Berdych and recent Wimbledon champion Andy Murray this year.
Wawrinka, who has four career titles, will fancy his chances of clinching his fifth in KL.
But it will be Monaco, who crafted out an impressive win over Frenchman Julien Benneteau in last year’s final, who will again start as one of the favourites.
“Last year was a great experience for me here in KL. I didn’t know what to expect when I came to this city but when I left I had a title in my hands and I made many new friends,” said the charming Argentinian.
“I had a great time at the stadium and also the hotel and I’m definitely looking forward to coming back again.”
Monaco’s views were echoed by Ferrer, who will be seeking better fortunes in KL this time, after bombing out early in the quarter-finals last year.
“I had a very good time last year although I lost in the quarter-finals ... I’m looking forward to coming back once more. Hopefully, I’ll achieve better results when I return,” said the soft-spoken Ferrer.
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