Indian Tennis player, Ramkumar Ramanathan has been handed a wild card for the men’s singles main draw of the upcoming Tata Open Maharashtra.

The organizers have also revealed that a similar olive branch could be extended to a veteran player, Leander Paes in the men’s doubles event.

Other top India players that have entered the main draw include Prajnesh Gunneswaran and rising star Sumit Nagal, who got a set against Roger Federer at the 2019 US Open.
25-year-old Ramkumar, who will be making his third appearance at India’s only ATP 250 event in Pune, has dropped in the latest tennis ranking to 185.

Speaking on the development, tournament director, Prashant Sutar explained that there are three singles wildcards for the main draw, one has gone to Ramkumar. They are yet to decide the two players that will get the last wildcards.

While noting that two India players will be entering the main draw of the tournament directly by virtue of their rank, the organizers wish an Asian or an Indian player wins this year’s edition.

Sutar also revealed that the legendary player Paes, who had announced his retirement from the game this year, has requested a wild card entry into the men’s doubles event. He added that it would be considered in a “positive” manner.

Also confirming the request, MSLTA President Bharat Oza said the organizers would consider some players who have requested for the wild card after they lost early in the ongoing Australian Open.

Recall that current double champions, Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan, won’t be teaming up this time around.

Bopanna is, therefore, amongst those seeking a wild card entry with local lad Arjun Kadhe. It was also gathered that Purav Raja is also among those seeking wildcard.
Other seeking the wildcard include Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and N Balaji.

With loads of requests, the organizers now have a tough job on their hands with just two wildcards available for the doubles event.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed