The draw for the highly anticipated Bengaluru Open 2026 ATP Challenger tournament has been released, setting the stage for an exciting week of tennis. The spotlight is on the all-Indian clash between top home hope Sumit Nagal and compatriot Prajwal Dev in the opening round.
Favorable Draw for Indian Contingent
In a significant boost for local fans, all six Indian players in the main draw have managed to avoid the seeded players in the first round. Alongside Nagal and Dev, the other Indians – Aryan Shah, Karan Singh, Manas Dhamne, and Dhakshineswar Suresh – will face unseeded competition as they begin their campaign. This presents a golden opportunity for the home talent to make a deep run in the tournament.
Top Seed Martinez Awaits Qualifier
The tournament's top seed is World No. 96 Pedro Martinez of Spain, a former 2021 French Open semifinalist. He has received a relatively favorable path initially, as he is slated to face a qualifier in his first match. His presence adds considerable star power and experience to the Challenger event in Bengaluru.
Tournament Schedule and Expectations
The main draw action at the Bengaluru Open is scheduled to commence on Monday, 3 January 2026. The draw outcome has generated considerable interest, particularly around the marquee first-round match featuring Nagal. The tournament promises to be a crucial early-season test for Indian tennis players as they look to gain ranking points and momentum on familiar home soil. All eyes will be on whether the local players can capitalize on their first-round opportunities and challenge the established seeds in the later stages.
