Saketh Myneni of Andhra Pradesh and Shivika Burman of Bengal are the two highest ranked players expected to lead the seedings in the men's and women's singles sections of the Indian Jute National grasscourt tennis, which will be held here from February 6.
While most of the top names in the National rankings have opted to stay away, Saketh, currently ranked 11 among men, and Shivika, women's No. 9, have emerged toppers among the initial entries.
The men's defending champion A.S. Suresh Krishna of Andhra Pradesh, who is ranked 12th in the country, has been given a wild card after he missed the official deadline of sending in entries. The women's champion Kyra Shroff of Maharashtra is busy playing abroad.
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The rest of the draw presents a mix of youth and experience with a clutch of new names coming up to challenge the established ones.
The qualifiers will be played over the weekend and the main draw will be announced on Sunday. The total prize money for the tournament is Rs. 5 lakh. — Principal Correspondent