World number four Stanislas Wawrinka has played down expectations of repeating his sensational form of last season in the new year, saying he's not taking success at the top for granted.
The 29-year-old enjoyed a memorable run in 2014, which began with victory in the Australian Open for his first Grand Slam title and ended with a starring role in Switzerland's maiden Davis Cup triumph.
In between, the genial Swiss rose from number eight to break into the top four that had for long appeared to be the preserve of compatriot Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
"I know it will be really tough to stay in the top four," Wawrinka told reporters on the sidelines of the $US450,000 ($A486,000) ATP Chennai Open tournament which started on Monday.
"It was tough to get there and it will be tougher to stay there. But we all start the new year from zero, so let's see how it goes.
"Last year was really amazing for me, I could not have expected more. But the hunger is still there. I want to win more matches, win more tournaments and hopefully a few Grand Slams as well."
Wawrinka, who hopes to defend his Chennai Open title this week to tune up for the Australian Open in Melbourne from January 19, said he was not looking too far ahead.
"At the start of the season, I want to focus on myself, focus on my fitness and improve my game," he said. "It will be good to win a few matches in Chennai so that I am ready when the Australian Open starts."
Wawrinka is making his seventh appearance in the southern Indian city, where his victory last year sparked an incredible run that led to his Australian Open success.
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