PUNE:
Rohan Bopanna
's entry into doubles for the
Paris Olympics
tennis competition, based on his World No. 4 ranking as on Monday, has been confirmed by the
International Tennis Federation
.
The top-10 players in men's and women's doubles -- based on Monday's rankings -- get automatic qualification.
The
ITF
, in a statement on its website, refrained from announcing the rest of the field.
"With the entry process due to be completed by the end of June, the full entry list for Paris 2024 will be announced by the ITF on 4 July," it said.
Sumit Nagal
's direct entry in men's singles -- based on his 77th ranking -- is also expected to be a formality.
The focus now shifts on the
All India Tennis Association
which is expected to call a meeting of the national selection committee on Tuesday.
The deadline for national federations to submit their nominations to the ITF is June 19.
While Bopanna has chosen
Sriram Balaji
as his partner, AITA secretary Anil Dhupar has maintained that the selection committee will have the final say on the matter.
In the past, the nomination of doubles and mixed doubles teams has been a source of much controversy.
This time, though, it could be shorn of drama, if one were to go by selectors' chairman Nandan Bal.
"I don't see any reason to go against the player's wish," Bal, a former Davis Cupper who had coached Bopanna in his formative years in Pune, told TOI.
"I'd go with what Rohan has to say. He has opted to play with Balaji. My way of looking at it is that he is looking for someone who has an explosive game.
"He wouldn't want to play long points on clay. He would prefer a partner who can serve big and volley, finish the points quick instead of long rallies.
"That's my personal opinion."
The curious bit is that the AITA has added Ramkumar Ramanathan's name in its recommendation to SAI for TOPS funding along with Balaji earlier this year.
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