The warmth of crowd makes Chennai Open special: Ravi Krishnan

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Ravi Krishnan

Ravi Krishnan, former Managing Director, South Asia of International Management Group (IMG), owner of the Aircel Chennai Open, is in awe of the seamless form that the south Asia’s only ATP tennis tournament has taken to entertain the fans of the city.

As one who has been instrumental in running the event as part of IMG from 1996 to 2011, Ravi knows what it entails to organise such a spectacular show.

Aesthetically, the 47-year-old, says the tournament is better than it ever has. “I get a great feeling when I look at the new hospitality area; it looks spectacular with the way it is done. The finish is much better. Operationally and security-wise, it is great.”

According to Ravi Krishnan, even now, the former players speak affectionately about the Chennai Open. “During Mahesh Bhupathi’s International Premier Tennis League in Singapore, I was with (Patrick) Rafter, (Carlos) Moya and Cedric Pioline, and they all talked fondly about Chennai Open,” says Ravi Krishnan.

Excerpts:

Q. On the changes the tournament has seen

A: I think every year the tournament improves; in terms of all aspects it has improved every year. Now, they have done a great job in improving the aesthetics of the tournament using the electronic signage on the court and improving the hospitality. After a while, there is only so much you can do. The core of this tournament is that it runs very well. It is a great testament to everyone involved from IMG, to the local association, to sponsors, to the crowd, to the TN Government and the media.

Q: On upgrading the event

A: To do a bigger event you need a bigger infrastructure, more courts. There were talks at one point of doing men and women, and for that you need more changing rooms, and whole lot of infrastructure. Bigger event means big draw also.

Q: On dipping spectator interest in the early stages

A: If you look at most tennis tournaments around the world except the Grand Slams and the ATP Masters, there is a gradual crescendo with regard to the crowd. Sometimes, we are very hard on the event. The crowd is good for the tournament of this size.

Q: On the biggest challenges

A: The biggest challenge of what do we do, do we stay in Delhi? (1996 edition was held in the National capital), where do we go. That was probably the biggest challenge in the history of the tournament.

Q: Memorable moments

A: I remember the amazing final in 1997 when Mikael Tillstrom won the match on a controversial last point. Next was Patrick Rafter, Boris Becker and the Woodies (Mark Woodfore and Todd Woodbridge). Becker stepping on to court was electric. The rise of Leander and Mahesh started here. Overall, the warmth and involvement of Chennai crowd, I think, made it special.