The new year's opening chapter proved challenging for India's men's tennis professionals on home soil. The nation hosted four ATP Challenger events across Chennai, Delhi, Pune, and Bengaluru in early 2025, but the home contingent faced a stark reality check. The collective win-loss record for Indian singles players in the main draws was a disheartening 1-13, with Mukund Sasikumar standing as the solitary Indian to secure a victory.
Fresh Start at the Bengaluru Open
Focus now shifts to a fresh start as the Bengaluru Open commences at the SM Krishna tennis stadium. This ATP 125 event marks the tenth edition of the tournament and presents a crucial opportunity for Indian players to reverse the early-year trend. Leading the home charge is Sumit Nagal, the country's top-ranked player at World No. 277.
The 28-year-old Nagal, who began 2024 inside the top-100, skipped the earlier Indian Challenger swing for South American events. His first half of 2025, however, was marred by illness and back injuries. With eight Grand Slam main draw appearances to his name, Nagal views the Bengaluru Open as a vital springboard to climb the rankings and secure direct entry into majors. "I invested a lot of time training and practising during the pre-season, around six to seven weeks. But I don't want to set a goal (for the) tournament. The year is very long," Nagal stated, highlighting his prepared yet measured approach.
Nagal, the 2017 champion here, will open his campaign against fellow Karnataka player and wildcard SD Prajwal Dev (World No. 632). He is joined in the Indian singles line-up by wildcard Dhakshineswar Suresh (523), Aryan Shah (402), Karan Singh (471), and wildcard Manas Dhamne (588).
Suresh's Promise and Youthful Prospects
Considerable attention will also be on the big-serving Dhakshineswar Suresh. The 6'5" player demonstrated his capability to trouble higher-ranked opponents by defeating then World No. 155 Jerome Kym of Switzerland in a Davis Cup tie last September. His recent participation in the World Tennis League in Bengaluru has aided his acclimatization to the high-altitude conditions.
Intriguingly, both Suresh and Nagal are placed in the bottom half of the draw, setting up a potential quarterfinal clash. A strong performance here is critical for confidence ahead of the Davis Cup qualifiers against the Netherlands scheduled next month at the same venue.
The tournament also showcases India's future: 18-year-old Manas Dhamne, 20-year-old Aryan Shah, and 22-year-old Karan Singh. Each faces an unseeded opponent in the first round and possesses the talent to cause significant upsets.
A Strong Field and Qualifying Drama
The six-day event boasts a competitive field, headed by top seed Pedro Martinez (World No. 92, Spain) and featuring fourth seed Lloyd Harris (222, South Africa), a 2021 US Open quarterfinalist. The Indian sextet will need to significantly elevate their game to make a deep run.
In the qualifying rounds on Sunday, Sidharth Rawat provided a bright spot by defeating compatriot Nitin Kumar Sinha 6-3, 7-5 to reach the final qualifying round. However, other Indians including Ramkumar Ramanathan and Adil Kalyanpur suffered losses, underscoring the challenging landscape.
The opening month of the season has laid bare the gap Indian singles players must bridge. The Bengaluru Open represents more than just another tournament; it is a platform for redemption, a confidence builder for the Davis Cup, and a glimpse into the future of Indian tennis. All eyes will be on Sumit Nagal and his compatriots to see if they can turn the tide.
