Punjab Newsline,Sports :
Sumit Nagal to lead India’s challenge at the 10th Bengaluru Open; main draw begins on Monday
International tennis is set to return to Bengaluru, with India’s top men’s singles player Sumit Nagal leading the home challenge at the 10th edition of the Bengaluru Open. The prestigious ATP Challenger tournament’s main draw will begin on Monday at the historic S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium.
Sumit Nagal is regarded as one of India’s most successful singles players in recent years. He will compete in the 2026 edition with considerable experience and confidence. Nagal has represented India at the Olympics and has been a regular member of the Indian Davis Cup team for over a decade. He has also achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking inside the Top 100. His career includes multiple ATP Challenger titles and notable victories on the ATP Tour. Significantly, he became the first Indian singles player in more than 20 years to win a main-draw match at the Australian Open.
Ahead of the Bengaluru Open, Nagal focused on improving his fitness and building consistency in his game. He emphasized that preparation is crucial for him. Arriving early, understanding the playing conditions, and spending more time on court, especially at the start of the year, make a significant difference to his performance.
As his international career progressed, Bengaluru’s importance in Nagal’s journey continued to grow. He reflected that the city holds special value for him, as his professional career effectively began here. He trained in Bengaluru during his early days, and many of his key career milestones have been achieved on these courts.
The Bengaluru Open occupies a special place in Nagal’s career. He won his first ATP Challenger title at this very tournament in 2017, a moment he still considers
a major turning point. According to Nagal, that victory gave him belief and reinforced that he belonged at this level and could compete consistently. He reiterated that the Bengaluru Open is one of the best Challenger tournaments in the world that he has played in.
Beyond results, Bengaluru remains a preferred hub for training and competition for Nagal. He shared that the city offers more than just tennis, with great memories, close friends, and a comfortable environment for preparation. The relaxed atmosphere, welcoming people, and strong support for players make the experience special.
Organised by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA), the 10th Bengaluru Open will be held from January 5 to 10 at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium. As a key event on the ATP Challenger Tour, the tournament offers a total prize purse of USD 225,000, with 125 ATP ranking points awarded to the singles winner, highlighting its growing importance on the global tennis circuit.