Masters Series main draw slots within reach

The recent withdrawal of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Juan Carlos Ferrero from the Rogers Cup main draw, as well as that of Juan Ignacio Chela and Agustin Calleri (who were ranked ahead of Ernests in the alternates list), means that Ernests is now the second alternate for Toronto.

With the special exemption (SE) slot yet to be cleared and David Nalbandian’s participation reported to be doubtful by Argentine newspapers, Ernests stands a realistic chance of making the main draw directly.

The SE slot grants main draw entry to a player who is unable to participate in the qualifying rounds because he is still competing in the current week’s event. As the Rogers Cup is an ATP Masters Series event, only semi-finalists of Kitzbühel (an International Series Gold tournament) could be considered for special exemption. (Source: ATP Rule book here.)

If no player is eligible for special exemption, then the slot will be cleared and the player at the top of the alternates list would be accepted into the main draw. Jose Acasuso is currently the first alternate in Toronto.

Meanwhile, over in Cincinnati, Ernests stands just one spot away from making the main draw directly. He heads the list of alternates for this Masters Series event which will begin on July 27th.

~ by Zahirah on July 17, 2008.