Bengaluru, Dec 16 (NationPress) Leading Indian tennis star Sumit Nagal is set to spearhead the men's singles event in the significant 10th edition of the Bengaluru Open, scheduled to take place from January 5 to 11, 2026, at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru. This premier competition on the ATP Challenger Tour continues to elevate its reputation as one of the most distinguished international tennis events in India.

The Bengaluru Open has become an essential feature of the ATP Challenger Tour. In 2025, it was enhanced from an ATP Challenger 100 to a Challenger 125 event, now boasting a total prize pool exceeding USD 225,000, attracting elite players globally. The upgraded status ensures a robust and competitive lineup, solidifying its role as a critical event on the international tennis calendar.

As the excitement of international tennis returns to captivate Bengaluru’s sports fans, the 10th edition of the Bengaluru Open will see Sumit Nagal at the forefront of India’s hopes. A former tournament champion in 2017, Nagal stands out as one of the nation’s most successful singles players, with Olympic experience and a collection of ATP Challenger titles to his credit. He will be joined by Aryan Shah, a rising Indian talent making waves with his consistent performances on the ITF and ATP Challenger circuits, marking a noteworthy presence at this milestone event.

The official main-draw singles acceptance list for the 2026 edition showcases an impressive array of international talents, spearheaded by ATP Tour title holder and former Top-100 player Pedro Martinez from Spain, former ATP Top-25 player and Davis Cup stalwart Daniel Evans from Great Britain, and former Top-35 player and US Open quarterfinalist Lloyd Harris from South Africa.

The competition is further bolstered by former junior World No.1 and Australian Open boys’ champion Harold Mayot (France), Davis Cup match-winner Borna Gojo (Croatia), ATP Challenger Finals victor Duje Ajdukovic (Croatia), former ATP Top-100 player Cedrik-Marcel Stebe (Germany), and 2019 US Open boys’ singles champion Jonas Forejtek (Czech Republic).

Other competitors include Jay Clarke (Great Britain), Benjamin Hassan (Lebanon), Matej Dodig (Croatia), Timofey Skatov (Kazakhstan), Max Houkes (Netherlands), Ilia Simakin, Beibit Zhukayev (Kazakhstan), Petr Bar Biryukov, Matteo Martineau (France), Antoine Ghibaudo (France), Michael Geerts (Belgium), Dan Martin (Canada), and Neil Oberleitner (Austria), emphasizing the depth and competitiveness of the international field.

Hosted by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA), the Bengaluru Open is dedicated to maintaining high standards, enhancing Bengaluru’s status as a prime venue for international tennis. As the tournament celebrates its landmark 10th edition, it remains focused on providing world-class competition while offering Indian players the opportunity to compete against top global talents on home turf.

The alternates list includes: Vadym Ursu (Ukraine), Vladyslav Orlov (Ukraine), Karan Singh (India), Eric Vanshelboim (Ukraine), Takuya Kumasaka (Japan), Stefano Napolitano (Italy), Eero Vasa (Finland), and Maxime Janvier (France).