The inaugural Tata Open Maharashtra started on a smashing note at the Mhalunge Balewadi Stadium yesterday. 16 players took part in the Men's Singles Qualifiers, out of which 4 players advanced into the Singles Main Draws after putting in spectacular performances.

Day 1 of the Singles Qualifiers saw Carlos Taberner, Joao Souza, Ilya Ivashka, Sumit Nagal, Ricardo Ojeda Lara, Adrian Menendez-Maceiras, Thiago Monteiro and Prajnesh Gunneswaran get the better of their opponent but in all the matches, at display was the unbridled passion only witnessed during a Tennis Match. Day 2 saw the eight players battle it out with even more vigour as these results would decide their fate to get into the Singles Main Draw. A quick summary of the matches:

Adrian Menendez-Maceiras (2) vs Sumit Nagal (6):
Sumit Nagal started off on a high note as he took the first set (6-2) to his name with ease. Not one to be left behind, Adrian Menendez-Maceiras fought his way back to equalize the contest by winning the second set (6-3). Both the players kept challenging each other but eventually Sumit Nagal had the last laugh as he defeated Adrian Menendez-Maceiras (6-2, 3-6, 6-4).

Carlos Taberner (4) vs Ilya Ivashka (7):
Ilya Ivashka dominated the game right from the word go. It looked like the Belarusian continued from where he left yesterday. Carlos Taberner had no answers to Ivashka's flawless shots as he ended up losing the clash (6-3, 6-3) in straight sets.

Thiago Monteiro (1) vs Prajnesh Gunneswaran (8):
The top seed from the Singles Qualifiers draws, Thiago Monteiro looked sharp in his approach as the Brazilian didn't allow Prajnesh Gunneswaran to settle in at all. Though Prajnesh did put up a strong fight, Monteiro's brilliance on the court took the limelight as he went on to win the encounter in straight sets (7-5, 7-5).

Joao Souza vs Ricardo Ojeda Lara (5):
The Spaniard Ricardo Ojeda Lara was in complete rhythm which reflected in his game too. Joao Souza had his lucky moments but that wasn't enough to contain Ricardo's form. After losing the first set, Souza tried to find his way back into the game but his opponent didn't allow this to happen as he went on to win the match convincingly by (6-3, 6-4)

These 4 players have marched their way into the Singles Main Draws and will look to continue their good form. The Singles Main Draws will be broadcasted on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD and would also be livestreamed on Facebook to the audience in the Indian subcontinent. Make sure you follow Tata Open Maharashtra on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and use #AdvantagePune to interact with us!