21st December 2009 - Deccan Chronicle with Chairman of organizing committee.

Last year's finalist Somdev Devvarman has been given a wild card for the 2010 Aircel Chennai Open. Open regular and former champion Carlos Moya and Rohan Bopanna have also been handed wild cards in the singles. At 126, Somdev is the highest ranked Indian. Bopanna is ranked 398.

Spaniard Moya, a former world number one and a winner of 11 ATP Tour singles titles, is returning from injury and has received a wild card for the doubles main draw as well. Rising Indian star Yuki Bhambri will partner the former French Open champion in doubles. The other wild card in doubles will go to Somdev and Sanam Singh.

Confirming his participation, Moya said: "I'm thankful to the organisers for giving me a wild card to one of the most special tournaments on the ATP calendar. Chennai spectators have always supported me and brought out the best from me."

Karti P. Chidambaram, chairman of the organising committee said: "The decision was unanimously taken by IMG, the organizing committee and Aita.

It is with great pleasure we welcome Moya for his farewell visit to our tournament. The other two wild cards have been given to Somdev and Rohan taking into account their Herculean performances in taking India to the Davis Cup World group after a gap of 12 years."

M.A. Alagappan, President of TNTA, said: "The popularity of the tournament is vindicated by the fact that a grand slam champion like Carlos Moya is very keen to come back year after year to Chennai. I sincerely hope that all the Indian players who have secured the wild cards will benefit through good performances in the Aircel Chennai Open."