Prajnesh secures direct entry into Tata Open Maharashtra

India's top singles player Prajnesh Gunneswaran will le home challenge at Tata open Maharashtra after securing a direct entry into men's singles main draw following withdrawal of Poland's Kamil Majchrzak. Ranked 123, Prajnesh was initially placed second behind Go Soeda in alternatives list but since Japanese also withdrew from tournament, it cleared Prajnesh's pass into ATP 250 event, starting February 3.

"Prajnesh's entry marks Indian appearance in singles main draw. It's always nice to see Indian player competing in this tournament and we are organising this event with sole intention that our Indian players benefit most," Tournament Director, Prashant Sutar said.

India's premier ATP 250 event will see world's top tennis players, such as Beit Paire, Ivo Karlovic and Philipp Kohlschreiber, competing for title. 30-year-old Indian, who has played in last two editions of tournament, will be er to make an impact at home. "Many Indian players have impressed at Tata Open Maharashtra in past editions. This is a great platform for Indians to perform with support of home crowd. We have very passionate crowd in Pune," said Sunder Iyer, secretary of MSLTA.