Ramkumar gets wild card for Tata Open

The tournament 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 Sumit Nagal, have already entered the main draw, thanks to their rankings.

The 25-year-old Ramkumar, who has slipped 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 Prashant Sutar.

“For the first time, we have two Indian players who have made it to the tournament main draw with a direct entry. We wish that an Asian or an Indian wins this tournament,” he added.

According to Sutar, legendary Paes, who had announced that 2020 will be the final season of his career, has also made a request for a wild card entry.

The Tournament Director added it will be considered in a “positive” manner. MSLTA President Bharat Oza said the event organisers have received requests for wild cards from players who lost early at the Australian Open. Surprisingly, Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan, who won this competition together last year, are not teaming up this time around.

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 wild card entries, making it tough for the organisers to take a call as there are only two wild card slots for the doubles event.