Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Dec 25: Rising Indian tennis player Dhakshineswar Suresh has been handed a wild card into the singles main draw of the 10th edition of the Bengaluru Open, scheduled from January 5 to 11, 2026, at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium.

The tall right-hander has been steadily making his mark on the professional circuit, earning recognition for his booming serve and attacking game. Standing at 6’5” and aged 25, Dhakshineswar was part of India’s extended Davis Cup World Group I squad in 2024 and made a strong impression on his debut in September 2025. In that tie against Switzerland, he defeated higher-ranked Jérome Kym 7–6(4), 6–3, helping India take an early advantage en route to a memorable 3–1 away victory.

Expressing his excitement, Dhakshineswar said it was special to compete in a prestigious ATP Challenger event in front of Bengaluru fans. He credited the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) for consistently providing Indian players a platform to challenge themselves against international opponents and said he was eager to make the most of the opportunity.

This year’s Bengaluru Open returns as an ATP Challenger 125 tournament, featuring a prize purse of over USD 225,000 and 125 ATP ranking points for the singles champion. Dhakshineswar enters the event with a career-best ATP singles ranking of No. 519, achieved in 2025, and has posted encouraging results on both the ITF and Challenger circuits. His stint in U.S. college tennis with Wake Forest University and Georgia Gwinnett College has further strengthened his competitive experience.

Tournament Director and KSLTA Joint Secretary Sunil Yajaman said the decision to award Dhakshineswar a wild card reflects the organisers’ commitment to nurturing emerging Indian talent. He noted the player’s impact in limited tour appearances and his key role in India’s Davis Cup success, expressing confidence that the opportunity would help him take the next step in his career.

Organised by the KSLTA, the Bengaluru Open has played a significant role in strengthening India’s tennis ecosystem by bringing high-quality international competition to home soil. In the upcoming edition, Dhakshineswar will have the chance to test himself on a big stage alongside fellow Indians such as Sumit Nagal and Aryan Shah.