India have three players in the singles main draw, which has world number eight and 2011 champion Stanislas Wawrinka as the top seed apart from 2008 champion and Russian second seed Mikhail Youzhny.
Wawrinka is coming into the season-opener on the back of his best career season and the Swiss will be the player to watch.
His stunning show in late 2013 season, when he stretched world number one Novak Djokovic in the US Open semifinals and also presented a stiff challenge to other top players, makes him a favourite in this tournament.
From Indian point of view, the local fans would hope that Somdev, who reached the final in 2009, does well. He had a terrific 2013 season and in his quest to break into top-50, he would eye a strong start to the season.
The job is not easy but he got a good draw as he will have a qualfier as his opening rival. The slow courts are of Somdev's liking as he likes to play from the baseline.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
