India is ready to host 4 ATP Challenger Tour occasions for the third season in a row, albeit with vital modifications in schedule, prize cash and rating factors.
In 2025, the collection started on February 3 in Chennai, the place the overall prize cash was $160,000. It was adopted by those in Delhi ($100,000; 75 rating factors for the champion), Pune ($160,000; 100 rating factors) and Bengaluru ($200,000; 125 rating factors) in successive weeks. Throughout the 4 Challenger occasions, Indian gamers managed to win only one out of 13 singles matches in the principle draw.
As per the revised ATP calendar launched on December 4, the 2026 season for the second tier of males’s tennis will open in Bengaluru on January 5. The occasion will supply 125 rating factors and extra prize cash ($225,000) this time.
Nonetheless, the Chennai Challenger, scheduled to start on February 9, may have a lowered prize pool of $63,000 (50 rating factors).
The Delhi Open, beginning on February 16, may have a barely elevated prize pool ($107,000) and 75 rating factors whereas the Pune leg, starting on February 23, may have a drop in prize cash ($107,000) and 75 rating factors.
Sunder Iyer, hony. secy., Maharashtra State Garden Tennis Affiliation, defined the explanation behind the lowered prize cash for Chennai and Pune.
“In 2025, all 4 tournaments in India acquired vital financial assist from ATP. For the following season, they’ve chosen a special nation for it. They’ll nonetheless assist us however the financial help has been lowered,” stated Sunder.
Printed – December 10, 2025 02:20 am IST
