Harsh Mankad entered the main draw of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career when he qualified for the doubles event of the Wimbledon [ Images ] along with Ilija Bozoljac.

Mankad and his Serbian partner, seeded eighth, edged past the Austrian-German pair of Alexander Peya and Bjorn Phau 7-6(5), 6-4 in the second and final qualifying round on Wednesday.

With his qualification, the 30-year-old Mankad ensured that India [ Images ] will have at least four players competing in the doubles event.

Indian participation may grow if Somdev Devvaraman also qualifies. He and Philippines' Treat Huey Conard are a step away from booking their berth in the main draw.

Leander Paes [ Images ], Mahesh Bhupathi [ Images ] and Rohan Bopanna [ Images ] will have a direct entry, courtesy their superior ranking along with their respective partners.

Mankad has defied a career-threatening knee injury and lack of positive results in singles since making a comeback to grow as a doubles player.