Chennai Open 2026: Indian Players Turn Opportunity into Impact

From 9–15 February 2026 , Chennai has become the heartbeat of Indian tennis as the Chennai Open ATP Challenger unfolds at the SDAT Tennis Stadium . The ATP Challenger 50 event is not just another stop on the calendar, it's a lively battleground where India’s emerging players are testing themselves against seasoned international professionals.

The energy surged early in the qualifying rounds, where Indian players made a powerful statement. Fourth seed Nitin Kumar Sinha and Ishaque Eqbal delivered commanding wins, while alternate entry Sai Karteek Reddy Ganta grabbed attention with a memorable upset over a seeded opponent. Young left-hander Aryan Lakshmanan also impressed with his fearless shot-making and composure under pressure, underlining the depth of India’s next generation.

The spotlight now shifts to the main draw, where India’s No. 1 Sumit Nagal leads the charge. He is joined by rising talents such as Karan Singh and teenage prospect Manas Dhamne , forming a rare blend of experience and youth in the lineup. With a strong home presence in the draw, the tournament has taken on the feel of a celebration of Indian tennis progress.

The Round of 32 matches, played daily from 10:00 AM IST, promise gripping contests. Key fixtures include Digvijay Pratap Singh vs Oliver Crawford , Sasikumar Mukund vs Nitin Kumar Sinha , Ilia Simakin vs Manas Dhamne , and Felix Gill vs Sumit Nagal . Other notable clashes feature Lorenzo Carboni vs S.D. Prajwal Dev , Petr Bar Biryukov vs Ishaque Eqbal , Rio Noguchi vs Sidharth Rawat , and *Florent Bax vs Denis Yevseyev* .

Beyond individual matches, the event carries broader significance. The $63,000 tournament is one of multiple Challenger events being staged in India this season, reinforcing the country’s growing role on the professional circuit. For Indian players, competing at home reduces travel strain while offering exposure to high-level opposition, a key factor in long-term development.

As the tournament moves into the Round of 16 and later knockout stages, the big question is how deep the Indian contingent can go. With early momentum, vocal home support, and a packed schedule of matches through the week, the Chennai Open is shaping up to be both a proving ground and a celebration of India’s emerging tennis strength.