Chennai, Oct 15 (IANS): World No.14 Feliciano Lopez Wednesday confirmed his participation in the 20th edition of the Aircel Chennai Open, scheduled to be played at SDAT tennis stadium from Jan 5-11, 2015.

This will be the talented Spaniard's first visit to the $450,000 tournament, one that is India and South Asia's only ATP World Tour tennis event and draws many of the world's leading tennis stars.

"As South Asia's only ATP World Tour tennis event, the Aircel Chennai Open presents a great platform to kick start the new season. I am glad to confirm my presence, look forward to playing in the city of Chennai, and begin the year on a positive note. Can't wait to get there to play in front of my Indian fans," Lopez said.

Lopez will begin his 2015 season in Chennai after playing an impressive year of tennis where he successfully defended his AEGON International title and became the first player to reach consecutive grass-court finals prior to Wimbledon since 2001.

He left a strong impression by reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon but went down valiantly to Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka. The Madrid native also reached the third round of the US Open for the fifth straight year, apart from defeating World No.2 Rafael Nadal at the Shanghai Rolex Masters.

The 33-year-old left-hander has had an exciting tennis career after he turned professional in 1997, during which he won four career titles and reached his current career-high singles ranking of World No.14 this week.