Srichaphan to defend Tata Open title
Free Press Journal — September 25, 2003

Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan, the Tata Open 2003 champion, is preparing to defend his crown in January next year. Srichaphan, who is currently ranked No 12 in the ATP Champions Race, has confirmed that he will return to India to participate in the Tata Open 2004 — which is scheduled to be played in Chennai from January 5 to January 11— according to a press release, here, on Tuesday.

The Thai, who won the title early this year defeating Karol Kucera of Slovakia in straight sets has had a great year winning the International Series — the Long Island Crown — for a second year in a row in August, and breaking into the world's top 10 earlier this year. "For me the year started off on a great note as I won the Tata Open 2003 in Chennai." 

"It was tremendous for me to win after being the runner-up in 2002," said Srichaphan, adding, "my performance through this year has been very solid and having reached the pre-quarter-finals of the US Open has really boosted my confidence". He was also full of praise for the support he received from the spectators at Chennai. "The crowds in Chennai are very enthusiastic." 

"It is a pleasure to come back here and I hope to retain the Tata Open title once again," he stated. Srichaphan will not only be the star attraction of the tournament which is being held for the eighth consecutive year, but would also provide the young and upcoming players from India an opportunity to gain valuable experience. 

This year, the Tata Open is looking at a field which is even more impressive than last year, and Srichaphan's confirmation will provide the right impetus to kick-off the countdown to the Tata Open 2004. The US$400,000 Tata Open, organised by IMG, is India's and South Asia's only ATP International Series event, and one of only seven in all of Asia.

The tournament is conducted under the aegis of the All India Tennis Association, and is organised with the active collaboration of the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association, with assistance of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu. The event has been presented the ATP Award for Excellence twice, and the award for the best promoted tournament in the international group over the past five years.