There are draws and there are draws. Patrick, the lesser known McEnroe, writes in ‘Hardcourt Confidential' about a blessed one that took him all the way to the 1991 Australian Open semis ‘without having to play a legitimate contender or proven champion'.
At the other side of this caprice lies the misfortune of bumping early on into someone ranked several places higher; or worse, beginning a tournament knowing that progression to the far end requires the demolition of at least a few superior candidates – not the most reassuring thought with which to enter an event.
For tennis' foot-soldiers, going against the grain of seedings is the only way out of the trenches, as was illustrated this past season by Janko Tipsarevic, who returns to the Aircel Chennai Open, as the top seed. The Serbian jumped 40 places to No.9 in 2011.
Remarkable transformation
He reached the U.S. Open quarterfinals, won his first Tour title in Kuala Lumpur and doubled his tally in Moscow, to end the year in the top 10 for the first time – almost as remarkable a transformation as that of his World No.1 compatriot.
The obsessed would have noted that Tipsarevic's ascent began with final appearances (at Delray Beach and Eastbourne) where he lucked out, making the summit clashes without having to face a higher-ranked opponent. The Serbian would have been relieved to finally win something, and then something more, in his 11th year on Tour.
The search for a maiden trophy, however, continues for 2009 finalist Somdev Devvarman, whose lot here seems inextricably tied to that of the chief contenders.
Devvarman, in touching distance of 27, might have to despatch, in successive rounds, defending champion Stanislas Wawrinka, the dangerous fifth-seed Ivan Dodig and Tipsarevic to match his best showing in Chennai — a tournament which arguably provides him his best chance of breaking through.
Devvarman's potential opponents are all capable of matching, even overwhelming, his steady baseline play and the slugfests, if indeed they materialise, would make for an intriguing spectacle for home fans. Before all that, the World No.84 has to first clear the opening round (against France's Eric Prodon), which he had failed to do in the previous edition.
The bottom half of the draw is dominated by the 6'5” frame of Canadian Milos Raonic. The 21-year-old began the year with an Australian Open fourth round, an ATP title, wins over top-ten players and an unforgettable three-set loss to Andy Roddick in the Memphis final, before his season petered due to a hip injury.
Seeded fourth this year (he had lost in the final round of qualifying in 2011) and the beneficiary of a first round bye (the top four seeds all have opening-round byes) Raonic might face a tricky second round opponent in American Sam Querrey and a potential semifinal against World No. 10 and second-seeded Nicolas Almagro.
Thrilling to watch
There are no two ways about it: Raonic with his huge serve and wingspan is as thrilling to watch as Juan Martin del Potro, and the two are likely to take the power game up another level once fully developed and free of injuries. Almagro, meanwhile, was the last of the big names to land in the city.
At ten titles, his career produce far outweighs anybody else's, but all ten have come on clay. The Spaniard has a nice kick-serve and a questionable temperament - entertaining attributes to bring to the court, although only one is likely to do him any favours.
