As India’s largest tennis occasion, Tata Open Maharashtra returning to the opening week of the worldwide tennis calendar, the motion will get much more thrilling with the presence of high names from the world, together with 17 Prime-100 gamers. Whereas the celebrated match celebrates its superb fifth version in Pune, Tata Motors have additionally bolstered its dedication to tennis in India because the title sponsor for South Asia’s solely ATP 250 occasion. It will likely be organised by the Maharashtra State Garden Tennis Affiliation in affiliation with the Authorities of Maharashtra. The upcoming version, scheduled on the Balewadi Stadium from December 31 to January 7, guarantees an action-packed week for the followers. Listed here are the highest 5 gamers to be careful for on the occasion.
Marin Cilic (Phrase No. 17)
The Croatian star Marin Cilic will probably be making his much-awaited return on the Tata Open Maharashtra after 4 years, having reached the semi-finals in 2018. The previous World No. 3 would be the robust contender for the title as he involves Pune with red-hot type, particularly after his maiden semi-finals look on the French Open earlier this yr. Moreover that, on the Adelaide Worldwide 2022, he additionally recorded his 550th win to develop into the one seventh lively participant to attain the feat. Cilic has beforehand received the match twice, in 2009 and 2010, when it was carried out in Chennai. He could be trying so as to add one more trophy to his illustrious cupboard, which additionally consists of the 2014 US Open title.
Emil Ruusuvuori (World No. 40)
The Finnish teenager, Emil Ruusuvuori had a formidable outing within the final Tata Open Maharashtra the place he entered his first ATP Tour remaining earlier than taking place combating towards Portugal’s Joao Sousa within the title conflict. The 23-year-old rose by the ranks since then, taking a large leap from World No. 87 to present career-best rankings of 40. The No. 1 Finnish singles participant has additionally competed in all 4 Grand Slam occasions and has represented Finland within the Davis Cup as nicely. After lacking out on the title final time, Ruusuvuori will probably be eager to complete the job this time and elevate the coveted trophy in addition to his first ATP Tour title.
Yuki Bhambri (World No. 553)
The previous junior World No. 1 Yuki Bhambri is the lone Indian to obtain entry within the singles qualifiers of the fifth version of Tata Open Maharashtra. He made the minimize on the idea of his protected rankings of 127. The Indian made an excellent comeback within the final version after an harm that stored him away from the sport for nearly two years. He ended his marketing campaign within the pre-quarterfinals. The previous Youth Olympics silver medallist had an outstanding 2022, successful six ATP Challengers Tour doubles titles and he’ll look to copy the identical success within the singles as nicely when he kickstarts his marketing campaign in entrance of the house followers on December 31.
Elias Ymer (World No. 127)
From qualifiers to semi-finals, the 26-year-old Swedish star had a dream run within the final version of Tata Open Maharashtra, reaching his maiden ATP Tour semi-finals. Ymer caught many eyeballs by producing some strong performances which included him defeating the highest seed after which World No 15 Aslan Karatsev in straight units within the second spherical. In 2015, he made historical past as a young person by turning into the second male participant on report to qualify for all 4 Grand Slam occasions in a calendar yr. Ymer will probably be excessive on confidence when he travels to Pune later this month and can look to finish his watch for the maiden ATP singles title.
Sebastian Baez (World No. 43)
The rising star of tennis world Sebastian Baez will probably be making his debut on the Tata Open Maharashtra after an distinctive 2022. The 21-year-old from Argentina made his ATP debut final yr and has already performed all 4 Grand Slam occasions. With a sensational begin to his profession, he turned the youngest to assert 5 Challenger titles in a season. Baez clinched his maiden ATP title by successful the 2022 Estoril Open. He additionally achieved career-high rankings of 31 after beating World No. 8 Andrey Rublev, the largest win of his profession, on the 2022 Bastad. The teenager will probably be desperate to make his mark on debut in Pune.