While playing on the ATT, if a player loses even in the first rounds in the two USD 5000 events, the player earns a minimum of USD 650 while a first round loser in USD 10,000 ITF Futures gets only USD 146.
The title winner at USD 10000 ITF Future gets USD 1224 as prize purse and if a player wins two ATT events of USD 5000 each, he earns USD 2050. He is earning USD 826 more.
However, ATT is not a solution according to Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan since it does not offer points and only money.
“It’s clear that tournaments in India aren’t based on the development of players to compete in Grand Slams or make top-100. Secondary tours have taken priority and while it is good for certain players it isn’t the path for players wish to play on the ATP World Tour,” he feels.
New national champion Riya Bhatia says, “the chances of winning the events and getting points is easier in India than abroad.
“We play our best in our own conditions. It s difficult to save points outside the country,” the 19-year-old from Delhi said.
Rishika Sunkara says, “It s been a rough year for most of us and we hope to get back more tournaments next year making our journey easier.”
(Sourced from agencies, feature image courtesy:iloveindia.com)
