In Focus by The Hindu Indian tennis in 2026: Bengaluru Open and beyond
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Jan 3, 2026 N. Sudarshan, a sports bureau journalist at The Hindu, delves into the state of Indian tennis. He discusses the significance of the Bengaluru Open as India's sole ATP 125 Challenger and the steep competition from foreign players exploiting weaker fields. Sudarshan analyzes the potential of rising stars like Sumit Nagal and Dakshineshwar Suresh, focusing on their fitness and gameplay. He also highlights the challenges of sustaining tournaments in India amidst global calendar pressures and sponsors' struggles.
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Bengaluru Open's Unique Importance
- The Bengaluru Open is India's highest-rated ATP event as an ATP 125 Challenger.
- Its status matters because it's the only 125-level tournament in the country and boosts local players' opportunities.
Why Bigger Tours Are Hard To Host
- Hosting ATP 250 or WTA 250 events is financially difficult because sponsorship and broadcast revenue don't cover high costs.
- Promoter fees and appearance fees make these higher-level events largely out of reach for Indian administrators.
Stars Pull Private Money, Not Regular Tour Events
- Private capital funds star exhibition events because tickets and immediate returns justify the expense.
- Serious professional tournaments struggle because sponsors expect clear commercial return.