Chennai Open: Sahaja, Maaya get wild cards

Sahaja Yamalapalli and Maaya Rajeshwaran are the two Indians among four who were awarded wild cards for the WTA 250 Chennai Open to be held at the SDAT-Nungambakkam Stadium from October 27 to November 2. Slovakia’s 16-year-old Mia Pohankova, the Wimbledon junior champion, and France’s Lois Boisson are the other two wild card entrants. This was announced on Friday by Vijay Amritraj, Indian tennis legend and president of the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA), at a press conference.

In all probability, World No. 38 Boisson, who reached the semifinals of this year’s French Open, will be the top seed.

“While allotting wild cards, the most important thing is the development of players of the host and two, is enhancing the stature of the tournament. The arrangement with Octagon (sports agency that holds the event’s licence) is that they would get two [wild cards] and we at TNTA get two,” Amritraj said.

The wild cards for qualifying will be announced in due course and the hallmark this year will be the TNTA celebrating 100 years, added Amritraj.

All the courts at the stadium have been re-laid for the Chennai Open. Amritraj hoped that the Indian players would make a mark. The 71-year-old pinned his hopes on Maaya. “We have a lot of hopes on Maaya. By 18, she should’ve a good chance to have a crack at any of the junior Grand Slams. and then quickly make the transition”

Atulya Misra IAS, Additional Chief Secretary and the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports Development, J. Meghanatha Reddy IAS, member secretary SDAT, B. Venkatasubramanyam, secretary, TNTA and Vivek Reddy, treasurer, TNTA also attended the press meet.