25 November,2011 08:36 AM IST | | IANS
World No 9 Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia heads a strong field that includes three former singles champions in the 17th ATP Chennai Open tennis tournament, beginning here January 2.
Janko Tipsarevic
Also in the draw is Spaniard Nicolas Almagro (10) besides home favourite Somdev Devvarman, currently ranked 85. In fact, Devvarman, the Davis Cup star, is the only Indian in the main draw which has a cut-off of 85.
Further embellishing the field are: 2007 singles and doubles champion Xavier Malisse (Belgium), twice winner in 2009 and 2010 and defending champion Marin Cilic (Crotia), and Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland).
However, in a further confirmation of the doubles combination of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi splitting, it was announced Paes is still to confirm his entry while Bhupathi will partner Rohan Bopanna.
