Ramkumar to get wild card in Chennai Open

India’s campaign will be charged by local hero and wild card entrant Ramkumar Ramanathan, who shuttles between Barcelona and Chennai in pursuit of his tennis career. The 22-year-old rose to prominence in 2014 when he toppled Somdev Devvarman in the opening round of the 2014 Aircel Open. He has been a national champion and has been part of India’s Davis Cup team as well and is currently No. 2 in AITA’s rankings. “We have great faith in Ram,” TNTA president MA Alagappan said. “We believe he will go a long way in world tennis. Moreover, India’s fans love him and will give him all the support that he needs.” 

The star-studded lineup will be led by the effervescent World No. 6 and the Croat in the form of his life, Marin Cilic, with World No. 14 Roberto Agut (Spain), No. 27 Albert Ramos-Vinolas (Spain), No. 35 Martin Klizan (Slovakia) and No. 48 Borna Coric (Croatia) adding to the lustre of the annual ATP event here. Former Top 10 players Tommy Robredo (Spain) and Mikhail Youzhny (Russia) also return to India, the former after 12 years and the latter after two years, threatening to give the top seeds a run for the money. 

Robredo, who had gone as high as World No. 5 in 2006, is a player of high pedigree, having won 10 ATP singles and starring in Spain’s Davis Cup conquests thrice. The first and only time he played in Chennai in 2004, he teamed up with Rafael Nadal to win the doubles title. He is currently No. 57 and, even at 34, cannot be trifled with. Youzhny is a familiar and popular star in Chennai, having won the 2008 title after beating Nadal in straight sets. “This is an impressive lineup. Tennis fans in India can expect high quality tennis this year,” Chennai Open’s tournament director Tom Annear said.