Asense of joy and celebration prevailed on the first day of the 17th edition of the Chennai Open, which is currently being held at the SDAT Tennis Stadium, Nungambakkam. Unlike last year, when Kollywood star Suriya and Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi added glamour to the event, the current edition began on a sober note, with only a handful of people present to watch the initial few moments of the clash between India's Yuki Bhambri and Slovakia's Karol Beck. But as the minutes passed, people began walking in, with youngsters and kids outnumbering adults. Parents came in droves, with their little children for company. Mrs Ram, who came along with her two tiny tots, said, “They don't know much about tennis, but are interested in watching the game, after they started accompanying their father to the tennis courts.” At the entrance, after a few security checks, visitors were handed placards and free caps, thanks to some of the corporates that had put up stalls in the stadium. The first stall was that of a mobile network operator, whose staff held mini-quizzes and a video-tennis game for kids. A large board on the left gave detailed information about the matches that have been scheduled. Some visitors stopped to have a look at it and zeroed in on their favourite matches. Young school and college students, working as volunteers during the tournament, guided visitors to their respective gates and seats. Soon, the action shifted to the Centre Court, where Yuki was leading one set to Beck. As the crowds swelled, the support for Yuki grew stronger. Shouts of 'Chak De, yaara!', 'Go Yuki, you can do it!', C'mon Yuki! echoed all through the stadium. Some children expressed their support to Yuki and this was pleasing, as it goes on to prove that tennis is in safe hands. Whenever the shouts grew louder, the referee had to utter a few 'Sssssshhh. Thank you', reminding the audience that they were in a tennis stadium and not a cricket ground. A collective roar rent the air when Yuki finally prevailed over Beck. The second match on Centre Court between India's Vishnu Vardhan and Croatia's Ivan Dodig saw 70 to 80 per cent occupancy, as working professionals made time out to catch some action live. The support for Vishnu was louder this time during the second set when the Indian was close to a win. But after the second set loss, some Chennaiites left disappointed. The third set was a complete let down for Chennaiites, as Vishnu failed to catch up with a rejuvenated Ivan. At the end of the day's play, the Indian players' performance pleased many hearts. Read MoreBall boys have fun, on and off courtCity students volunteer to earn some quick bucks
Students by day, tennis fans by evening
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