Somdev Devvarman and Yuki Bhambri awarded Chennai Open wildcards – Tennis News
Two of India’s finest tennis players, Somdev Devvarman and Yuki Bhambri, have been given wild card entries into the main draw of the Aircel Chennai Open. The biggest tennis tournament of India will be held on the hard courts of
SDAT Nungambakkam Tennis Stadium from December 31 to January 6.
Devvarman and Bhambri will join some of the top stars from around the world, with four of the best 20 players taking part in the event.
World number six from Czech Republic, Tomas Berdych; ninth placed Serbian, Janko Tipsarevic, two-time former champion, Marin Cilic of Croatia; and Switzerland’s world number 17, Stanislas Wawrinka, will be the main attractions
of this tournament.
Bhambri and Devvarman did not have good enough ranking to directly qualify for the main draw, so the event organizers gave them wildcards in order to promote local tennis.
The tournament director, Tom Annear, said, “We constantly look at ways to promote domestic talent and we are happy to award Somdev and Yuki wild cards into the singles main draw.”
Devvarman most events in this year and his ranking has now dropped to 661 in the world. The Indian player attained his career best ranking of 62 in 2011. The 27-year-old gave the best performance of his career at the same event,
reaching the final in 2009.
On the other hand, Bhambri went as high as 174 in the world but he is now standing at 217th spot. The Indian star stunned the then world number 101, Karol Beck, in straight sets 6-2, 6-3 in the first round of the Aircel
Chennai Open this year.
Annear added, "Somdev was unlucky with injury this past year and we're looking forward to his comeback to start at the Aircel Chennai Open. Additionally, currently India's top ranked singles player, Yuki is poised for another strong
year. We respect their immense talent and are confident that the young players will make good use of the opportunity.”
Milos Raonic had won last year’s title but he will not be coming back to defend that. This year’s winner will get $430, 000 in prize money and 250 ATP Ranking points.
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