Saketh Myneni gets wild card for Chennai Open tennis meet

Chennai, Nov 27 (IANS) India's top-ranked singles tennis player Saketh Myneni and Norway's Casper Ruud on Sunday received the last two wild cards for the 22nd edition of the Chennai Open, starting here from January 2.

Myneni is ranked 194th in the world singles rankings.

The 29-year-old, who will be making his fourth straight appearance at the tournament, has been an integral part of the Davis Cup team for the last two years.

He also helped India beat South Korea in the Asia-Oceania Group 1 tie this July.

He will come into the tournament in good touch, making it to the main draw of the US Open and all but winning his opening round too.

Commenting on the development, the Hyderabadi player said, in a release: "I am thrilled to get a wild card entry into the Aircel Chennai Open so early. I have enough time to prepare for it now."

"This is India's biggest tennis tournament and I love the electrifying atmosphere at the SDAT Stadium."

Local hero Ramkumar Ramanathan was handed the first wild card on Wednesday, when the 21-player field, led by World No.6 Marin Cilic, was revealed.

Four more players will have the opportunity to grace the tournament by coming through the qualifying rounds.

S.P. Misra, chairman of the All India Tennis Association (AITA) Selection Committee, said: "I am delighted that two wild cards have been awarded to the top two Indian singles players -- Saketh Myneni and Ramkumar Ramanathan."

"Both of them have played Davis Cup for India this year with great distinction. The Aircel Chennai Open gives Indian tennis players a chance to improve their international rankings and prepare for the 2017 season," he added.

--IANS

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