PUNE: What is Dan Evans’ loss has turned out to be Prajnesh Gunneswaran’s gain.
The world No. 24 from Britain, who had a phenomenal season in 2021 in which he beat world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of Monte Carlo Masters, had sought a wildcard for the Tata Open Maharashtra following his third-round loss at the Australian Open. However, the best efforts of the ATP 250 Series event organisers to accommodate his last-minute approach came to nought as the 31-year-old tested positive for Covid prior to boarding his flight in Dubai late Friday night.
“We were very keen to have a world class player in the field but unfortunately Evans tested positive for Covid at the Dubai airport,” said Sunder Iyer, honorary secretary of the MSLTA.
The Birmingham native, who also captured his maiden ATP title in Melbourne early last year, would have been the second highest ranked player in the draw after Russian Aslan Karatsev, world ranked 15.
“We put in a lot of effort to expedite Evans’ visa process and there were many including Rahul Tulpule (former tennis player and brother of Fed Cup player Radhika Tulpule) who worked hard to make it happen,” Iyer said.
“But, as destiny would have it, Evans’ absence has opened up a slot for an Indian in the main draw.”
The third wildcard for the $494,000 hard-court event has been handed to local lad Arjun Kadhe.
With Yuki Bhambri (protected ranking of 127) and Ramkumar Ramanathan (wildcard) also in the fray, the Indian representation goes up to four in the prestigious event.
“It’s great to see four Indians in the main draw. Though the field is strong, I believe these wildcards will help Indians start the season stronger as we aim to give our players much-needed playing opportunities through this event,” said Prashant Sutar, Tournament Director.
