India's top singles player Prajnesh Gunneswaran will lead the home challenge at the Tata open Maharashtra after securing a direct entry into the men's singles main draw following the withdrawal of Poland's Kamil Majchrzak.
Ranked 123, Prajnesh was initially placed second behind Go Soeda in the alternatives list but since the Japanese also withdrew from the tournament, it cleared Prajnesh's passage into the ATP 250 event, starting February 3.
"Prajnesh's entry marks Indian appearance in the singles main draw. It's always nice to see Indian player competing in this tournament and we are organising this event with the sole intention that our Indian players benefit the most," Tournament Director, Prashant Sutar said.
India's premier ATP 250 event will see the world's top tennis players, such as Benoit Paire, Ivo Karlovic and Philipp Kohlschreiber, competing for the title.
The 30-year-old Indian, who has played in the last two editions of the tournament, will be eager to make an impact at home.
"Many Indian players have impressed at Tata Open Maharashtra in the past editions. This is a great platform for Indians to perform with the support of the home crowd. We have very passionate crowd in Pune," said Sunder Iyer, secretary of MSLTA.
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