Robin Soderling, runner-up at Roland Garros, confirmed his participation on Monday for next year’s Chennai Open, India’s only ATP World Tour tennis tournament.

Apart from the Australian Open, Soderling reached the fourth round or more in the remaining three Grand Slams, all of which he lost to world number one Roger Federer — quarter-finals in the US Open, fourth round at Wimbledon and finals of the French Open — to reach a career high ranking of world number 10.

“Chennai Open is a much awaited event in the international tennis circuit. India is a fascinating country and I am looking forward to visiting India and playing at the tournament next year,” Soderling said in a press release.

Last year’s winner Marin Cilic will also be seen defending his title at the Chennai Open, beginning January 4, 2010.

Career-high ranking for Somdev

Meanwhile, Somdev Devvarman rose by three rungs to a career-best ranking of 121 on Monday. Also improving his ranking was Prakash Amritraj, who made the quarter-finals at the Calabasas Challenger to jump 17 places up to 232. Yuki Bhambri also gained three places to be at 344.

In the doubles list, Mahesh Bhupathi (7) conceded his sixth place to Lukas Dlouhy while Leander Paes had his ranking unchanged at eighth position.

Sania Mirza maintained her singles ranking (58) but lost two spots in doubles to be 38.