The Hindu : Sport : IMG's gift, Chennai's pride

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jan 02, 2005

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IMG's gift, Chennai's pride

By Kamesh Srinivasan

CHENNAI, JAN. 1. It is a world-class event that Chennai is proud to hold every year. The ATP Tour event in Chennai, that has seen some of the outstanding tennis players like Patrick Rafter, Boris Becker, Carlos Moya, Richard Krajicek, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Wayne Ferreira, Paradorn Srichaphan, Guillermo Canas, Rainer Schuettler, apart from Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, to name a few, has found an appropriate name for itself — the Chennai Open.

It was the IMG that brought the tournament to India in 1996, and it has managed to sustain the event over the years, despite doubts in some quarters.

"We love conducting the tournament in Chennai. It is the home of the Krishnans and the Amritrajs. Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi won their first Tour event title here,'' says Ravi Krishnan of the IMG, who has been associating with the event since its inception.

The crowd response has been fascinating despite the disillusionment at some of the stars failing to shine in some editions. "It is a knowledgeable crowd. The early rounds may give you a wrong impression. But this is happening in all tournaments across the world. The turnout in Chennai used to increase from the quarterfinal stage,'' acknowledges Ravi Krishnan.

Prize money

The tournament has indeed grown over the years, though the prize money has been reduced from $4,30,000 to $3,80,000.

"The reduction in prize money was done so that we could spend more money in the organisation. It has not lowered the status of the tournament as you can see from the number of prominent players who have come and played here over the years,'' he says.

More significant was the change in the dates from April to January. At the beginning of the season, players are keen to get ready for the Grand Slams. "The change of dates was important. We have better weather to play and for people to come and watch. It serves as a warm-up tournament for the Australian Open. It was fantastic last year, when the top four seeds made it to the semifinals, and we had Carlos Moya winning a thrilling three-setter against Paradorn Srichaphan in the final,'' says Ravi Krishnan.

Inspiration

Watching world-class players in flesh and blood is great, but does holding such an event help Indian tennis?

"Certainly, the tournament contributes to Indian tennis. Young talents will get inspiration on watching top class athletes. This is the only way to make champions," he says.

In the last few years, all the three wild cards have consciously been reserved for the Indian players. However, Indians could not make any impact in the big stage. Except Leander Paes making the semifinals in 1998, Indian players have hardly made an impression in singles in Chennai.

"Of course, it will help to have our own stars. Our job is to give an opportunity for the young players. We will continue to support Indian tennis,'' he says.

Leander and Mahesh have won four titles in Chennai, providing some wonderful moments for the fans. There is nothing like supporting your own players.

"Yes, Boris Becker floored the adoring Chennai crowd with his majestic presence once, and it may not be a surprise if Roger Federer is drawn to the city some day," Ravi Krishnan says.

Carlos Moya has always enjoyed playing in Chennai, and the man who beat Andy Roddick to seal the title for Spain in the last Davis Cup final, will be the major attraction in this edition.

"It is a great honour to be among the 60-odd cities in the world hosting a Tour event. The government and the sponsors have made the tournament a big event," Ravi Krishnan says.

He observed that the players were taking the event seriously than before. "This was evident from the manner in which the matches were contested in the last edition," he adds.

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