The opening day of the 10th edition of the Bengaluru Open witnessed a seismic shockwave as local hope and teenage sensation Manas Dhamne pulled off a stunning victory over the tournament's fifth seed, Matej Dodig of Croatia. The 2026 ATP Challenger event kicked off with this major upset, setting the tone for an exciting week of tennis at the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) courts.
A Day of Dominance for the Young Gun
Facing a seasoned opponent ranked significantly higher, Dhamne displayed remarkable composure and aggressive intent. The Indian wildcard entrant secured a straight-sets victory, winning 6-4, 6-4 in a match that lasted one hour and twenty-seven minutes. Dhamne's powerful groundstrokes and tactical serve consistently put the fifth seed under pressure, leading to a well-deserved triumph that electrified the home crowd. This victory marks a significant milestone in the 18-year-old's budding career, showcasing his potential on the professional stage.
Mixed Fortunes for Indian Contingent
While Dhamne's win was the headline act, the day presented a mixed bag for other Indian players in the singles draw. Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha also advanced to the second round with a convincing performance, defeating Hungary's Fajta Peter 6-2, 6-2. However, there was disappointment for Parikshit Somani, who fought valiantly but ultimately fell to France's Maxime Janvier in a tight three-set battle, 6-7(1), 6-4, 4-6. The results highlight the competitive depth of the Challenger tour and the challenging path Indian talents face.
Doubles Action and Looking Ahead
In the doubles category, the Indian pair of Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli and Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha made a strong start. They overcame the challenge posed by Hungarian duo Fajta Peter and Valkusz Mate, securing their place in the next round with a 6-3, 6-4 win. This success adds to the Indian interest in the latter stages of the tournament. The focus now shifts to the upcoming matches, with top seeds and other favorites beginning their campaign. Dhamne's giant-killing act has undoubtedly injected a fresh dose of excitement and anticipation, proving that on any given day, rankings can be overturned by sheer talent and determination on the court.
The Bengaluru Open 2026 continues to be a crucial platform for Indian tennis players to gain valuable ranking points and experience against international competition. Manas Dhamne's breakthrough victory serves as a powerful inspiration for the next generation and sets up an intriguing narrative for the rest of the week.
