Devvarman, Bhambri get wildcards for Chennai Open

Chennai, Dec 13 (IANS): Indian tennis players Somdev Devvarman and Yuki Bhambri have been granted wildcard entries into the main draw of the Chennai Open.

The tournament will be held at the SDAT Nungambakkam Tennis Stadium from Dec 31 to Jan 6.

Somdev and Yuki join an impressive field which includes four players from the top 20 in the world. Apart from the Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych (No.6), the grid includes Janko Tipsarevic (No.9), twice-winner Marin Cilic (No.15) and Stanislas Wawrinka (No.17).

Somdev notched his best run on the ATP World Tour here in 2009 when he reached the finals as a wildcard entry. His run ended when he lost to third seed Croatian Cilic 4-6, 6-7(3).

In the 17th edition of the Chennai Open, Yuki shocked Word No.101 Karol Beck and defeated him in 79 minutes.

“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. It gives us immense pleasure to give Somdev and Yuki wildcards for the singles main draw,” said Karti Chidambaram, vice-president, Chennai Open Organizing Committee president.

The $430,000 tournament is India’s only and South Asia’s premier ATP World Tour Open 250 event which was started in 1996. The tournament is conducted under the aegis of the All India Tennis Association (AITA).