Preview of Tata Open Maharashtra: Three Indians in main draw

Tata Open Maharashtra is biggest ATP event of South Asia, which is scheduled to take place at Mhalunge Balewadi stadium in Pune from February 3 to 9. Its going to be very special event for Indian tennis fans as first time in history, three Indian players makes cut in main draws of men’s singles category as direct entries. Top two ranked Indian in men,s singles category, Prajnesh Gunneswaran and Sumit Nagal will compete of the upcoming third edition of Tata Open Maharashtra.

Thanks to Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak withdrawal, highest ranked India in male singles category at ATP ranking, Prajnesh Gunneswaran made his way into the main draws. Sumit nagal, who was 2nd highest ranked Indian Player was initially placed in the alternative list, also made cut into the 20-size main draw list. Another good news of Indian tennis fans as 3rd highest ranked player in ATP ranking list, Ramkumar Ramanathan got wildcard entry. Today Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) made announcement during a press conference in presence of MSLTA President Bharat Oza, Tournament Director Prashant Sutar and treasurer Sanjay Khandare.

Prashant Sutar, Tournament Director of Tata Open Maharashtra, said. “We are happy to award the wildcard to Ramkumar who has been fighting hard and we hope that he will be able to make the most of his inclusion in the main draw. We have now Top-3 Indian players (Prajnesh, Nagal and Ramanathan) to present strong home challenge in this tournament,”

“It’s amazing to see two Indians getting direct entry into the main draw. I’m sure they will do well against world’s top tennis players. We have passionate crowd in Pune so it’s always nice to see Indian player competing in this tournament. We have been organising this event with the sole intention that our Indian players benefit the most,” he added.

Interesting fact, currently ranked 131st in the ATP ranking list, Sumit Nagal has been impressive in the recent past. He would be looking for consistent performance in this event. As he won 1 set against Legendary Roger Federer in His debut Grand slam US Open 2019, Indian fans are expecting consistent performance from him.

Chennai boy Ramkumar Ramanathan will make his third appearance in Pune this time. Though there is lots of ups and downs in Ramanathan’s recent game. But Indian tennis fans are hoping that he will make an impact in this edition of Tata open Maharashtra.

“We are happy to have Ramanathan back in the third edition of Tata Open Maharashtra. He performed well in the previous two editions but unfortunately couldn’t progress. We are hoping to see tough challenge from Indian players this time around,” Sanjay Khandare, Treasurer of Tata Open Maharashtra, said.

Top stars of World tennis, Benoit Paire and Ivo Karlovic will featuring this edition of Tata open Maharashtra. The qualifier rounds will be played on February 1-2. MSLTA President Bharat Oza said: “This tournament has always helped Indian players to get the experience of playing against the world’s top players. We have seen young Indian talents coming up during the past editions and we believe this tournament will keep giving platform to local player to make themselves notice at the world level.”