Will Dhakshineswar Suresh Shine at the Bengaluru Open 2026?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dhakshineswar Suresh secures a wild card for Bengaluru Open 2026.
- He is part of India's extended Davis Cup squad.
- His victory against a higher-ranked player boosted India's Davis Cup standing.
- The Bengaluru Open offers a prize pool exceeding USD 225,000.
- Dhakshineswar has a strong background in U.S. college tennis.
Bengaluru, Dec 25 (NationPress) Dhakshineswar Suresh, a rising star in Indian tennis, has received a wild card entry into the singles main draw for the prestigious 10th edition of the Bengaluru Open, scheduled to be held at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru from January 5 to 11, 2026.
At just 25 years old and standing tall at 6’5”, Dhakshineswar has been making waves in the professional circuit, earning recognition for his powerful serve and aggressive playstyle. He was part of India’s extended Davis Cup World Group I team in 2024 and made an impressive debut in September 2025 against Switzerland, where he triumphed over the higher-ranked Swiss player, Jérome Kym, with a score of 7–6(4), 6–3. This victory was pivotal in helping India secure a 3–1 win on Swiss soil.
In his own words, Dhakshineswar expressed, “Competing at the Bengaluru Open ATP Challenger is a proud moment for me, especially in front of my home crowd. This tournament has consistently offered Indian players a world-class platform to challenge themselves against top international talent, and I genuinely appreciate the efforts of the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association. I am thankful for this opportunity and the support, and I am eager to give my utmost on the court. I hope Bengaluru fans will cheer for me.”
The Bengaluru Open is returning this year as an ATP Challenger 125 event, boasting a total prize pool exceeding USD 225,000 and awarding 125 ATP ranking points to the singles champion. As a wild card entrant, Dhakshineswar is in a robust position, having reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 519 in 2025 and showcasing commendable results on both the ITF and ATP Challenger tours. His experience from competing in U.S. college tennis, where he played for notable programs at Wake Forest University and Georgia Gwinnett College, is also expected to be beneficial.
“We are thrilled to grant a wild card entry into the singles main draw of the Bengaluru Open to Dhakshineswar Suresh. He has demonstrated remarkable potential and achievements in the limited events he has participated in and played a crucial role in India’s Davis Cup victory against Switzerland.
“This opportunity underscores our dedication to nurturing emerging talent and enhancing India's presence in this ATP Challenger event. We anticipate a strong performance from him. We wish Dhakshineswar Suresh the very best in the competition and hope this assists him in advancing his career,” said Sunil Yajaman, Tournament Director and Joint Secretary, KSLTA.
Organized by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA), the Bengaluru Open continues to foster and develop India's tennis landscape. Over the years, the tournament has provided Indian players with valuable exposure to elite international competition right at their doorstep. This year, Dhakshineswar will have the opportunity to showcase his skills on the grand stage, alongside fellow Indian athletes Sumit Nagal and Aryan Shah.