India's largest tennis event The Tata Open kicks off at the Nungambakkam Stadium in Chennai from 5 January 2004 and Star Sports is covering the week long event live. This is South Asia's only ATP International Series event, and one of only seven in all of Asia. The mega event offers prize money of US$ 400,000. The broadcaster's coverage starts at 5 pm every day.

Defending champion Paradorn Srichaphan from Thailand will be eager to keep his record intact. With his stellar performance he had easily dispatched veteran Karol Kucera 6-3, 6-1. This year too he will be keen to have a head start to the 2004 season.

Srichaphan will, however, face stiff competition from Sjeng Schalken (Holland), Anthony Dupuis (France), and quite a few Spaniards. Besides Tommy Robredo, Felix Mantilla there is this young and very promising Rafael Nadal from Spain who is considered the future of Spanish tennis. Also representing Spain is Carlos Moya, the 1998 French Open champion. The World number seven made a mark in the Davis Cup final recently. Though his team lost to the Australians at Melbourne, Moya considers his win over Mark Philippoussis as one of the best wins of his career.

Prakash Amritraj will lead the Indian challenge in the tournament. He earned a wild-card entry in this tournament through his consistent showing.