Great Opportunity for Indians to Pick Up Valuable ATP Points
Bengaluru, May 5: The ATP Challenger Bengaluru is set to serve up two weeks of high-quality professional tennis as back-to-back tournaments take centre stage at the iconic KSLTA Stadium from May 10–24 (May 10–17 and May 18–24). Each event carries a prize purse of USD 63,000, drawing a competitive mix of global talent and a strong Indian contingent.
Over the years, Bengaluru has firmly established itself as one of India’s premier tennis hubs, consistently hosting top-tier international events and nurturing emerging talent. The city has hosted multiple ATP Challenger tournaments in the past, and in 2026 alone, this will be the third Challenger event in Bengaluru, following the successful staging of the Bengaluru Open earlier this year. The addition of these two back-to-back tournaments further reinforces the city’s growing stature on the global tennis calendar.
Maheshwar Rao, Chief Commissioner, Greater Bengaluru Authority & Hon. Secretary, Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association, said: “Bengaluru has steadily grown into a major hub for tennis in India, hosting international events across levels and providing a strong pathway for players. These back-to-back ATP Challenger tournaments are particularly significant as they offer a valuable platform for the second rung of Indian players to compete against high-quality international fields, earn crucial ATP points, and transition to the next level of professional tennis.”
The singles main draw boasts an impressive lineup led by a tightly packed top group. Mexico’s Rodrigo Pacheco Mendez headlines the field, bringing with him strong credentials on the Challenger circuit. Close on his heels is USA’s Keegan Smith, followed by Australia’s Philip Sekulic and Japan’s Hayato Matsuoka, completing a formidable top four. With rankings in a competitive band, the top seeds promise an open and fiercely contested draw.
Adding further depth are players such as Hamish Stewart, Ognjen Milic, and Maximus Jones, all of whom have shown the ability to challenge higher-ranked opponents and push deep into the tournament.
Mr. Sunil Yajaman, Hon. Joint Secretary, All India Tennis Association & Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association, said: “The acceptance list reflects the strength and depth of the Bengaluru Challenger, with a very competitive top field and a strong international presence. At the same time, it is encouraging to see a solid Indian contingent across singles and doubles. Back-to-back events are always beneficial for players, allowing them to find rhythm and maximise opportunities, and we are confident that fans will witness some outstanding tennis over the two weeks.” Mr. Yajaman is also the Tournament Director for the Bengaluru ATP Challenger.
The spotlight, however, will firmly shine on the Indian players, who form a significant and exciting part of the draw. Leading the charge is Karan Singh, one of India’s brightest young prospects, alongside seasoned campaigner Mukund Sasikumar, who will look to make the most of home conditions. They are joined by Sidharth Rawat, another consistent performer on the domestic and international circuit.
In doubles, the Indian presence is equally strong. The pairing of Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha and Saketh Myneni stands out as one of the most experienced teams in the draw, while SD Prajwal Dev teams up with Nitin Kumar Sinha, forming a formidable combination. India’s doubles strength is further bolstered by the presence of Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan, partnering Sergey Betov, and the duo of Mukund Sasikumar and Adil Kalyanpur, ensuring strong home representation across the board.
With a blend of emerging international stars and established Indian names, the Bengaluru Challenger promises thrilling matchups and opportunities for breakthrough performances. The back-to-back format offers players—especially those in the second rung—a crucial chance to build momentum and climb the ATP rankings ladder.
: Aakruti Narayan Sonkusare (left) and Aishwarya Jadhav prepare to attack against their 2nd seeded opponents Arina Arifullina and Ekaterina Yashina.-Pic-2: Madhurima Sawant in action against Maria Mikhailova.
Madhurima leads Indian charge at ITF W35 Tumakuru Open
Tumakuru, May 5: Indian players put up an impressive show in the opening round of the women’s event, with several home-grown talents advancing in both singles and doubles in the opening round of the ITF W35 Tumakuru Open at the Tumakuru University Tennis Stadium here on Tuesday,
Leading the charge was Madhurima Sawant, whose resilient three-set victory stood out as one of the performances of the day. Sawant displayed a fine blend of control and fighting spirit as she overcame Maria Mikhailova 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 in a match that tested her composure.
Earlier in the day, the tournament was inaugurated with much fanfare by Dr. G. Parameshwara, Hon’ble Home Minister and District In-charge Minister, Tumakuru, Mr. Jyoti Ganesh, MLA, Tumakuru Urban, Ms. Subha Kalyan, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Tumakuru, Mr. Ashok KV, Superintendent of Police, Tumakuru and Dr. K Govindaraj, President Karnataka Olympic Association amongst others.
Madhurima, after racing through the opening set with confident baseline play and sharp movement, she faced a strong response from Mikhailova in the second, where the Russian raised her level to draw parity. However, the Indian quickly regrouped in the decider, reasserting her dominance with aggressive shot-making and consistency to close out the match in style. The win underlines Sawant’s growing maturity and ability to handle momentum shifts at the professional level.
In another all-Indian clash, Sandeepti Singh Rao got the better of Yashaswini Panwar 6-3, 6-4 in a steady performance. Pooja Ingale also came through a tough three-setter, edging past Danica Fernando 7-5, 1-6, 6-4 in a closely fought encounter.
Sonal Patil delivered one of the most dominant wins of the round, brushing aside qualifier Snigdha Kanta 6-0, 6-3 to progress comfortably into the last 16.
Amongst the visitors, Ksenia Laskutova registered a notable win over seventh seed Michika Ozeki 6-3, 7-6(2), while fifth seed Elina Nepliy advanced with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Harshini N Nagaraj.
The Indian momentum continued in the Women’s Doubles Round of 16. Top seeds Vaidehee Chaudhari and Zuzanna Pawlikowska were in commanding form, defeating Maria Mikhailova and Sandeepti Singh Rao 6-1, 6-2.
The fourth-seeded all-Indian duo of Sravya Shivani Chilakalapudi and Zeel Desai were equally clinical, cruising to a 6-0, 6-2 win over Yashaswini Panwar and Bela Tamhankar.
In one of the standout results in doubles, Aishwarya Jadhav and Aakruti Narayan Sonkusare upset the second-seeded pair of Arina Arifullina and Ekaterina Yashina 6-4, 7-5.
The only setback for the home side came when Shreeniti Chowdhury and Meghana G D went down to Ksenia Laskutova and Elina Nepliy.
Results
Women’s Singles (Round Of 32)
Sandeepti Singh Rao (IND) bt Yashaswini Panwar (IND) 6-3, 6-4; Madhurima Sawant (IND) bt Maria Mikhailova 6-2, 3-6, 6-1; Ksenia Laskutova bt 7-Michika Ozeki (JPN) 6-3, 7-6 (2); Pooja Ingale (IND) bt Danica Fernando (IND) 7-5, 1-6, 6-4; 5-Elina Nepliy bt Harshini N Nagaraj (IND) 6-4, 6-1; Sonal Patil (IND) bt Snigdha Kanta (IND) 6-0, 6-3.
Women’s Doubles (Round of 16)
1-Vaidehee Chaudhari (IND) / Zuzanna Pawlikowska (POL) bt Maria Mikhailova / Sandeepti Singh Rao (IND) 6-1, 6-2;
4-Sravya Shivani Chilakalapudi (IND) / Zeel Desai (IND) bt Yashaswini Panwar (IND) / Bela Tamhankar (IND) 6-0, 6-2;
Aishwarya Jadhav (IND) / Aakruti Narayan Sonkusare (IND) bt 2-Arina Arifullina / Ekaterina Yashina 6-4, 7-5;
Ksenia Laskutova / Elina Nepliy bt Shreeniti Chowdhury (IND) / Meghana G D (IND) 6-0, 6-2;
Diva Bhatia (IND) / Jennifer Luikham (IND) bt Snigdha Kanta (IND) / Harshini N Nagaraj (IND) 1-6, 6-4, 10-7.
3-Akanksha Dileep Nitture (IND) / Michika Ozeki (JPN) Vs. Kashish Bhatia (IND) / Sonal Patil (IND) 6-3, 4-6, 8-4 (rain stopped play)
