Benoit, Karlovic, Kohlschreiber to play in Tata Open Maharashtra

World no 24 Benoit Paire alongside last edition’s runner-up Ivo Karlovic will be in the quest for the title at the third edition of the Tata Open Maharashtra at the Mhalunge Balewadi Stadium here from February 3-9. Former Wimbledon quarterfinalist with a career-high ATP singles ranking of 16, Philipp Kohlschreiber will make his debut at India’s premier ATP 250 event which celebrates 25 years. The 30-year-old maverick Paire, who has reached a career-high ranking of 18 in 2016 and won two ATP titles in 2018, will be crowd’s favourite after having made it to the semi-finals in 2018. Paire has been in a sizzling form in 2019 season with winning titles at Lyon and Marrakech. The mercurial Frenchman will look to continue winnings momentum and try to translate his confidence into a title.

READ | Kim Clijsters Announces Her Plan To Make A Comeback In March 2020

The 6 feet 11 inches tall Croatian Karlovic, who created a world record with Kevin Anderson playing the finals featuring the tallest players in the history of ATP Tennis at the last edition of this event in January, will take another shot at the title at South Asia’s only ATP tournament after losing the summit clash in three tight tie-breaks. ATP Tour’s most versatile players, Kohlschreiber, who has eight ATP tour titles spread over three different surfaces, will be looking to light up the Balewadi Stadium on his debut in Pune. The former World No. 16 and currently ranked 79th German made fireworks at the Indian Wells Masters this year when he upset the World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and will be hoping to bring that courage and confidence when he plays in India. With the ATP reshuffling calendar to accommodate the ATP Cup, which is happening for the first time, the upcoming edition of this tournament will now be held after the Australian Open.

READ | Rafael Nadal Deeply Hurt After Manacor Mayor Accuses His Tennis Academy

Czech Republic’s Jiri Vesely one of the few players on the Tour with a 1-0 win-record over Novak Djokovic in 2016 and an upset win over World No. 5 Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon this year would definitely be one to watch. With a stellar career in juniors that includes a World No. 1 ranking and the US Open title, Lithuania’s Ricardas Berankis will be targeting his first ATP title in Pune as will Italy’s Stefano Travaglia, Salvatore Caruso and Thomas Fabbiano.

READ | Nick Kyrgios Warned By Marat Safin To Stop 'joking Around In Court Like An 18-year-old'

READ | Serena Williams, Wozniacki To Play Doubles In New Zealand