ISLAMABAD: World No 299 Russian Ivan Nedelkov is the top seed for the Serena ITF Futures I with three Indians also finding their place in the main draw starting at the Dilawar Abbas Complex from December 4-10. Anand Kumar, Paranveer Singh Bajwa and Jatan Daya are the three Indians so far have made it to the main round of the Future I that would be the first of three internationals, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) are organizing this December. All 18 foreigners so far have made it to the main draw as no Pakistani player is among the direct qualifier. The PTF has yet to decide on the wild card entries as it has got two vacancies available. PTF president Salim Saifullah Khan was excited at the prospects saying that ITF Futures were back to the country with the gap of nine years. “After successful conduct of successive Davis Cup ties, in February and September, 2017, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) agreed to allocate three Pro-Circuit Tournaments, also called ‘Futures’, to the PTF, scheduled to be held at Islamabad from 4th to 24th December 2017. The three high prize events have already generated excitement amongst local players who have started training had to make a name for them.” The prize money for each tournament has been revised by the ITF to $15,000, from the $10,000 it used to be. “The amount being attractive, along with the incentive of earning ATP ranking points to improve individual players’ rankings, a large number of international players are expected for three back to back Futures.” The qualifying round of F1 will start from 02nd December, with player sign-ins scheduled for the 1st. The main round for the F1 is to start from 4thDecember, 2017. The deadline for ITF-F1 Futures Serena Tennis Tournament was 21st November, 2017. As of 22nd Nov, 15 internationally-ranked players from across the world have been placed in the Main Draw, and 22 players in the Qualifying Round, while 37 players have been placed in the ‘Alternates’ list. If any player from the main or qualifying draws choses to withdraw, or is unable to participate, then players from the alternates list are accommodated, accordingly. To a question on the wildcard entry, PTF president said the organisers had received requests from foreign countries for the wild card opportunity. “Turkish federation last year had accommodated our players on the wild card and their request looks genuine. At the same time we are looking to give opportunity to our budding players also.” The PTF has made all out efforts to keep Dilawar Abbas Complex in best shape for the event. “Renovation work is already under progress as hopefully it would be in best shape by the time the Futures get under way.” Salim Saifullah Khan, during an inspection visit to the complex expressed his satisfaction at the pace of preparatory and renovation works at the facility. The President PTF advised the management committee to ensure that the facilities provided during the tournaments are at par with the International standards and that all players are comfortable during the events. He applauded the hard work of the ground staff and the PTF management committee for their untiring efforts. “The month of December is all set to offer high quality tennis to game lovers. It would also be an opportunity for PTF to see the progress of some of the youngsters who have come up good in recent times,” Salim Saifullah said.
