Tennis has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world since its establishment. Over the years, men, women, and teenagers have all engaged in playing tennis. And not everyone is playing major tournaments, but they are preparing to play in them. But to play in it, it is essential to understand and know about them. So here in this blog, I have shared about some of the well-known tennis tournaments in India that inspire, challenge, and celebrate other talent. So, no matter if you are a young student, an aspiring athlete, or simply a fan of the game, understanding the landscape of the tennis tournaments in India can open your eyes to a world full of energy, skill, and exciting opportunities. So read more to know more.
Growth of Tennis in India
Tennis, a team sport, has been played in India since the late 19th century, when the British officers introduced it. Over time, Indian tennis players like Vijay Amritraj, Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza have taken the applause and the charge for the country.
However, the contemporary scenario of the tennis game has taken a massive turn. Today, the tennis game is celebrated with better training facilities, and tennis academies and sponsors are getting more adequate. And the reason behind the rise is the variety of tennis tournaments in India held across the country for people of all age groups.
Popular Tennis Tournaments in India
The following is a list of some of the well-known tennis tournaments in India.
Maharashtra Open
The Maharashtra Open, also known as the Tata Open Maharashtra, was an annual men's ATP Tour 250 Tennis championship which has been held since 1996. Since 2018, it has been held in Pune and was a part of the ATP tour before it moved to Hong Kong.
However, the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association, which was the governing body of tennis in Maharashtra, organised an annual event at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex. And surprisingly, this was a hard court championship, and men's singles and doubles matches were organised. The inauguration, which was held in New Delhi, was then shifted to Chennai for its second edition, and from there it was moved to Pune in 2018, where it is held in January.
ITF Bengaluru Open
The ITF Bengaluru Open is a tournament for professional female tennis players played outdoors on hard courts. The event is classified as a $100,000 ITF Women's Circuit tournament and has been held in Bengaluru, India, since 2024.
Delhi Open
The Delhi Open is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hardcourts. However, currently, the tournament is a part of the ATP Challenger Tour and the ITF Women's Circuit. The tournament is held annually at the R.K. Khanna Tennis Complex in New Delhi, India, in 2014.
WTA Open
The WTA Indian Open is a professional tennis tournament that has been held regularly since 2003 in various Indian cities. In the year 2008, the tournament was classified as a Tier II event with a prize money of $600,000. This made the biggest women's tennis tournament in South and Southeast Asia that year. However, after 2022, the tournament did not return until June 2025.
Champions Tennis League
The Champions Tennis League is a team tennis tournament in India which is held twice. The first edition of the Champions Tennis League was held from 17 to 26 November 2014, across Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, and Chandigarh. In contrast, the second edition of the game was held from 23 November to 6 December 2015.
Indian Open
The Indian Open was a men's tennis tournament founded as the India International Championships in 1923. The game was played from 1923 to 1979, where the men's event was a part of the Grand Prix tennis circuit from 1973 to 1979. The Indian Open was known as the Indian National Championships from 1947 to 1972, which was held in various cities across India and was played outdoors on multiple surfaces.
Royal Indian Open
The Royal Indian Open is a tournament organised for female professional tennis players who play on outdoor courts. The event is classified as a WTA Challenger Series tournament, which made its debut in 2012 in Pune, India. It is played at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, where the Challenger tournament has been relocated to Mumbai.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tennis Tournaments in India
Which Are the Most Popular Tennis Tournaments Held in India?
The Chennai Open (now Maharashtra Open), Bangalore Open, and Delhi Open are among the most well-known.
How Is Tennis Different from Badminton?
Right from the playing style to the equipment used and also the rules, there are several differences between badminton and tennis.
What Are the Different Types of Tennis Courts?
The three different types of tennis courts are hard courts, grass courts, and clay courts.
Tennis Tournaments in India are growing fast and becoming more exciting each year. They give Indian players a chance to show their talent and improve their game. Big events like the Maharashtra Open bring tennis lovers together and inspire young kids to take up the sport. With better support, good players, and more tournaments, tennis in India has a bright future.
Turf Town is a platform to discover the best playing grounds near you. You can also join a group of people who share your interest in the game. The app is available for both Android and iOS users.
Thank you!