Tata lends its support to India’s ATP tournament

Indian conglomerate Tata has been named as the title sponsor of the Maharashtra Open ATP World Tour men’s tennis event. 

The 2018 edition of the event will take place in the city of Pune from January 1-6, and will be officially known as the Tata Open Maharashtra. Indian newspaper The Hindu said that Tata has agreed a five-year deal with organisers.

Adar Poonawalla, chief executive of Serum Institute of India, has also been named as the presenting sponsor of the tournament, which he will use to promote his Clean City Initiative.

Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said: “I feel privileged to announce Tata as the title sponsor of the Maharashtra Open. The group has played a stellar role in uplifting sports to the best of their capacities and their support to the ATP event organised in our state is a matter of great pride for us.

“I would also like to extend my gratitude to Adar Poonawalla for coming on board as presenting sponsor and using sports as a platform to promote his Clean City Initiative, a very noble and one-of-its-kind cause for the city of Pune.”

The tournament was previously known as the Chennai Open, having been held in the city since 1996. Next year's event will mark the first time the tournament has been held in Pune.

The event holds 250 status on the ATP World Tour, the fifth-highest tier on the men’s circuit. Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut (pictured) is the defending champion.