The Tata Open

For the seventh year in succession, Chennai will host India's most prestigious tennis tournament. The US $ 400,000 Tata Open, owned and organised by IMG (International Management Group) is the only ATP International Series event to be held in India and South Asia. The rest of Asia has six events.

Profiles | Main Draw

Though IMG has been holding the event in Chennai for the last seven consecutive years from December 30 to January 5, it was called the Gold Flake Open in its earlier incarnation, but has become the Tata Open since last year.

The tournament is conducted under the aegis of the All India Tennis Association is organised in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association, and with assistance from the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu.

The event has been presented the ATP award for Excellence twice and an award for the Best Promoted Tournament in the international group over the past five years.

The top-ranked player, in Chennai this year, is ranked 15th in the world. He is the defending champion, Guillerno Canas. The Argentine dropped only one set en route to the title last year.

But the main attraction of the 2002-2003 Tata Open will definitely be Mark 'The Scud' Philippoussis even though at present he is ranked a lowly 83rd

in the world. The Australian, famous for his big serves and powerful groundstrokes, has been struggling with injuries and will be using the Tata Open as preparation ground for the Australian Open.

Paradorn Srichaphan, who reached the finals of the Tata Open last year, raised the profile of Asian tennis with his exploits on court. The Tata Open was his first ever ATP final and that paved the way for success later in the year. He had an excellent season and counted Andre Agassi, Marat Safin and the world number one Lleyton Hewitt among his scalps.

The other big name attraction will be Dutchman Sjeng Schalken, who will make his debut at the Chennai tournament.

In last year's men's singles final, Guillerno Canas beat Paradorn Srichaphan in straight sets 6-4, 7-6. The men's doubles finals saw Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes take on Ota Fukarek and Tomas Cibulec in which the Indian duo won 5-7, 6-2, 7-5. But this year, Bhupathi will not pair up with Paes.

The qualifying rounds of the tournament will be on the 29th of December, 2002 and the main draw starts on the 30th. The final will be played on the 5th of January, 2003 at the Numgambakkam Stadium, Chennai.