2021 Maharashtra Open could be shifted to different date

Tata Open Maharashtra tournament director Prashant Sutar on Saturday hinted that the ATP Tour event could be moved to a different date.

Czech Republic's Jiri Vesely celebrates winning the men's singles final against Egor Gerasimov in the Tata Open Maharashtra on Sunday.

Amidst the raging COVID-19 pandemic, Tata Open Maharashtra Tournament Director Prashant Sutar said that they will have to wait for the first draft of the ATP calendar, out in August, to get clarity on the dates for the 2021 edition.

The early February event is not under threat as of now, with the ATP having only suspended the Tour until early August this year. But the severity of the impact worldwide may necessitate a rejig.

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During an Instagram live session with Indian player Arjun Kadhe, Sutar said the ATP was having frequent discussions with Tournament Directors around the world in an attempt to get action back on the courts. Kadhe rated Rohan Bopanna and Benoit Paire as the best doubles partners. The 26-year-old from Pune also suggested a pre-season for the players a couple of weeks before the tournament.