On a profitable day for India, National Grass Court Champion Vishal Uppal was the lone black spot failing to progress amongst the four host players on view on the first day of the 11th edition of the season opening Chennai Open ATP Tennis tournament on Monday.
Uppal, who got a wild card to the singles main draw by virtue of his win in the national championship last month, failed to make good the home advantage as he lost to Jiri Vanek of Czech Republic 3-6 1-6 in a late night match
Uppal raised hopes of a come back in the second set breaking Vanek in the first game itself but failed miserably, as the German won the next six in a row.
Amritraj, a wild card, rallied splendidly against Ricardo Mello of Brazil 2-6 6-2 6-3 to make the pre-quarterfinals while Davis Cupper Bopanna made his second appearance in the main draw winning his final round qualifying match against sixth seeded Rajeev Ram of the US 7-6 (2) 6-4.
Bopanna, who upset top seeded Danai Udomchoke in the second round yesterday, is the third Indian to qualify for the main draw of the tournament after Sandeep Kirtane (1996) and Harsh Mankad (2005). Bopanna had earlier made a wild card appearance in 2003 but lost in the first round.
{{/usCountry}}Bopanna, who upset top seeded Danai Udomchoke in the second round yesterday, is the third Indian to qualify for the main draw of the tournament after Sandeep Kirtane (1996) and Harsh Mankad (2005). Bopanna had earlier made a wild card appearance in 2003 but lost in the first round.
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