The WTA 250 event has been allotted a slot in the official tennis calendar from November 2 to 8 at the SDAT-Tennis Stadium in Nungambakkam. However, the tournament’s staging hinges on financial support from the State Government.

When Vijay Amritraj, president of the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA), met Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna recently, he came away optimistic about the prospects of hosting the event.

“When I met the Sports Minister a few days ago (June 16), he appeared positive about it (hosting the event). Hopefully, within a week, we will receive a favourable response from the Government,” Vijay told a select media gathering here on Friday on the sidelines of the TNTA Annual Day function.

During the function, a total of Rs. 6.9 lakh was distributed among national champions across various categories, those representing India in Davis Cup and Fed Cup ties, and the winners of the Sanmar-and UCAL TNTA city League.

The prestigious T. K. Ramanathan Award was presented to Dhakshineshwar Suresh, who played a pivotal role in India’s victories over Switzerland and The Netherlands in the Davis Cup. The 26-year-old was represented by his father, Suresh Ekambaram, who received the award on his behalf.

Vijay was effusive in his praise for Dhakshineshwar. “Dhakshineshwar has enjoyed remarkable success. He’s a tall guy, serves big and has tremendous forearm strength. He reminds me of a younger version of myself—just a little better looking!” Vijay quipped.