Indian youth aim high at Tata Open

Yuki Bhambri and Ramkumar Ramanathan have enjoyed stupendous success against top players in 2017, raising hopes of a strong show at Tata Open Maharashtra

Pune, Dec. 31: Indian youngsters, led by Yuki Bhambri, will look to exploit the familiar home conditions and begin the new season on a high even as Wimbledon finalist and world number six Marin Cilic will start as favourite at the inaugural Tata Open Maharashtra, beginning here on Monday.

It will be easier said than done for the home players since there can’t be drastic progress in their game overnight but Bhambri and Ramkumar Ramanathan did enjoy stupendous success against top players in 2017, raising hopes of a strong show here.

Only these two Indians are featuring in the singles draw at the event, which moved out of Chennai due to financial issues. Much more is expected from the doubles draw, which will have four Indian pairs competing.

Bhambri has enjoyed an unbeaten run on tennis courts at the Balewadi Sports Complex since October 2015. The 25- yearold has won 10 matches ● here on the trot, pocketing two Challenger titles but the level of opponents will be completely different at the ATP 250 event, which will have five top- 50 players. The Delhi player could not have asked for an easier draw as he opens his 2018 campaign against local boy Arjun Kadhe, who has returned to professional circuit only this year is ranked below 600.

Apart from these two senior Pros, Sumit Nagal will also compete in the singles main draw after coming through qualifying stage.

Nagal joined his senior Davis Cup colleagues in the main draw after battling past Spain’s Adrian Menendez Maceiras 6- 2, 36, 6- 4 in the final qualifying round. Prajnesh Gunneswaran though fell at the final hurdle following a 5- 7, 5- 7 defeat at the hands of top seed Brazilian Thiago Monteiro.

For long, India has been looking for a singles player who can compete at the big stage and inspire new generations. Bhambri on his own has managed to break the top- 100 barrier and will carry home hopes, irrespective of the tough field.

— PTI