The ninth edition of the DafaNews Bengaluru Open concluded on Sunday. American Brandon Holt, son of tennis legend Tracy Austin, claimed his first ATP Challenger title by defeating Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki in the final. With this victory, Holt became the first American to lift the trophy. A day earlier, Indian Anirudh Chandrasekar and his partner, Taiwanese Ray Ho, had beaten Australian duo Blake Bayldon and Matthew Christopher Romios to win the doubles title as well.
Beyond the matches, the tournament also served as a reminder of Bengaluru’s deep-rooted tennis culture and its role in shaping Indian tennis. Sunil Yajaman, Hon. Jt Secretary KSLTA, who is the Tournament Director of Bengaluru Open and a prominent figure in Indian tennis development, shared his insights with InsideSport on the sport’s growth, the challenges players face, and what lies ahead.
The Tennis culture in Bengaluru
Bengaluru has long been a city that embraces sports, and tennis has been no exception. Reflecting on the evolution of the sport, Yajaman notes how access to tennis has expanded over the years. “Earlier, the game was mostly confined to elite clubs, making it difficult for many to take up the sport. But now, courts are popping up in schools, apartment complexes, and public spaces. Today, Bengaluru likely has the highest number of coaching academies in the country, which says a lot about how the game has grown here.”
But, What makes Bengaluru unique compared to other cities? According to Yajaman, it’s the perfect blend of a strong tennis culture, favourable weather for year-round play, and a history of producing top players. However, while infrastructure has improved, challenges remain, especially for players struggling with the financial demands of the sport. “Tennis remains expensive. Coaching, equipment, and travel costs can be prohibitive. We need more public infrastructure so that talent isn’t lost due to financial barriers,” he explains.
Wild Cards advantage at home for India
Indian players often struggle to break into the top ranks due to a lack of competitive opportunities at home. Yajaman believes that expanding the ATP Challenger circuit in India could be a game-changer. “Currently, our players need to travel abroad for ranking points, which is financially draining. If we could host 40–50 weeks of ITF and Challenger tournaments in India, players could reach the top 200 without leaving the country. That would make a massive difference in their development.”
Wild cards in tournaments can also be life-changing for young talent. Yajaman emphasises their importance, recalling a recent ITF 100K event where Indian players were prioritised for wild card entries. “A well-placed wild card can give a player the confidence and exposure needed to break through. We’ve seen it happen before, a single opportunity can set off a chain reaction that transforms a career.”
Another crucial aspect often overlooked is the mental side of the game. While technical and physical training are given priority, mental conditioning is just as important for long-term success. “Coaching should be structured like education, with specialized trainers at different stages of a player’s growth,” Yajaman suggests.
Future of India in hosting ITF tournaments & Sponsorships
Beyond Karnataka, the broader Indian tennis landscape is also evolving, with an increasing number of ITF and Challenger tournaments creating more opportunities for young players. “The next five to ten years could be huge for the sport. If we continue on this path, India could have multiple players in the ATP and WTA top 100, with a few breaking into the top 20.” he said.
Funding, however, remains a crucial aspect of sustaining this growth. The Bengaluru Open, for instance, has attracted sponsorships by consistently delivering a world-class event. “In the early years, we had limited sponsorship and probably operated at a loss. But by maintaining high standards and ensuring players leave with a positive experience, we’ve built a strong brand. The business community in Bengaluru has been instrumental in supporting the tournament.”
