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        One can't think of a better start to a new tennis season. A double crown at the Chennai Open ATP tournament meant it was a perfect beginning for temperamental Belgian Xavier Malisse.

        The 26-year-old, who won his maiden and only Tour title prior to the triumph yesterday, had never matched potential with performance. A career-high ranking of 19 was achieved way back in 2002 on the back of a semifinal appearance at Wimbledon. Since then, he has been solid without being spectacular and finished every season inside the top 50 (barring 2003).

        Well begun is half done, it is said. The win in Chennai should help Malisse in the long season ahead and the victory over Rafael Nadal should boost his confidence no-end.

        'This has been a fantastic week,' said Malisse after beating Stefan Koubek for the title. 'It seemed a tough draw at the start but I took it one match at a time and here I am with the title.

        'The first week of the season is always tough but my game came together early and it has done a lot of good for my confidence for the season ahead.

        'I will go to the Australian Open with a very positive mind.'

        Malisse went from a dark horse to champion during the week with impressive displays. The win over Nadal, whose fighting qualities are well-documented, showed he could take on and overcome the best in the business.

        The triumph here is now history. Things will get tougher for Belgian ace as the season wears on. The Australian Open will be a big challenge for him with the top players jostling for honours. While all eyes will be the world number one Roger Federer, who has ploughed a lonely furrow at the top, others will however be keen to topple from his perch.

        For Koubek, who came into the final on a high after dismantling two seeded players including Carlos Moya, it is a take-off which he would not have envisaged.

        The Austrian left-hander, who has endured a difficult time in the last couple of years is keen to bounce back and the performance in Chennai should be perfect launchpad. 'I may have lost the final but it was awesome to get there in the first place,' he said.

        For the two men who got to fight for the big prize, bigger things beckon though it will be a tough grind.