Having recuperated from a wrist injury, which kept him away from the court most of the year, Xavier Malisse is happy with his form and fitness but admits it would be 'tough' to defend his Chennai Open, kicking off from in Chennai on Monday.
Malisse said the draw is strong and open and anyone could reach the final, but added that Spaniard Rafael Nadal and Russian Mikhail Youzhny would be the strong contenders.
"Everybody has to play a high quality game. The draw is tough. I have to go round by round and plan for the next. I will do my best," he said.
The 27-year-old Belgian played only five tournaments after he suffered a wrist injury in February.
Before sustaining the injury, he won both singles and doubles titles in the Chennai Open in January this year.
"I played perhaps my best match last year defeating Nadal. The season is just beginning. I am happy that I am healthy now. That is the main reason that I have come here to play," he said.
Malisse said he has played only in the US Open and an ATP International series at home since returning from injury.
"I have worked well in training for 45 days. Match and training is different. I have to get into match rhythm. That is what I am up to and I am totally fit now.
"It is the beginning of the year and a new season is starting. Like all players, I look forward to an enjoyable year," he said.
The Belgian said he would use the season opener to prepare for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year.
"I will be very much focused in my games to be ready for Australian Open in middle of next month. Few more matches I get to play here will help me get prepared for Australian Open too.
"I have lost lot of ranking points last year because of injury. I have not set any goal but I would like to earn a lot of points to at least finish in top 50 by the year end," he said.
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