Ramkumar Ramanathan was on Wednesday handed a wild card for the men’s singles main draw of the Tata Open Maharashtra and the organisers may grant a similar entry to veteran Leander Paes in the men’s doubles event.
India’s top two singles players, Prajnesh Gunnewaran and rising star Sumit Nagal have entered the main draw on their own.
For 25-year-old Ramkumar, who has sipped to 185 in the ranking ladder, will make his third appearance at India’s only ATP 250 event in Pune from February 3.
“There are three singles wild cards for the main draw of which we have announced one for Ramkumar. We are yet to decide on the other two wild-card entrants,” said Tournament Director.
“First time it has happened that two India players have made to the main draw of the tournament with a direct entry. We wish that an Asian or an Indian wins this tournament,” he added.
According to Sutar, legendary Paes has also made a request for a wild card entry into the men’s doubles event and it will be considered in a “positive” manner.
Surprisingly Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan, who won this tournament last year together, are not teaming up this year. Bopanna is also seeking a wild card entry with local lad Arjun Kadhe and so is Purav Raja with Ramkumar.
Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and N Balaji have also sought a wild card entries, making it tough for the organisers to take a call since there are only two wild card entries for the doubles event.