KSLTA to host back to back ATP Challengers in Feb 2022

A feast for tennis buffs is in the offing when the Bengaluru Open returns after the Covid break with two weeks of pulsating action as KSLTA will host two back to back ATP Challenger Events slated to begin from February 7 next year. The twin events will offers a total prize money of US$ 107,000 and will be played at the KSLTA Stadium.

Commenting on this, the President of Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association, who is also the Minister for Revenue, Govt. of Karnataka Mr. R. Ashoka said: “KSLTA has always been striving to create a platform to host global tennis events at Bengaluru and provide an opportunity for the players to thrive on the World Tennis Tour. Bengaluru, being a truly global city is also blessed with a huge sport loving population and corporates who would love to partner such events. We have been fortunate to host WTA Tour Events, ATP World Doubles Championships, Davis Cup, ITF events but we are very excited to continue hosting ATP Challenger events which are pivotal for the growth of a Tennis player who is in pursuit of reaching the pinnacle. It only augurs well for the image of the city to continue to host ‘Bengaluru Open’ which would give a chance for players to come and experience the cosmopolitan culture of the city which would also be a treat for the citizens of Bengaluru.”

“It’s even more exhilarating when we would host two weeks of back-to-back ATP Challengers in the city back during Feb 2022, which we believe would benefit the players better. We are sure of receiving all required support from the Government of Karnataka to host these events in a befitting manner as they always been our biggest support. I would like to profusely thank the ATP for placing trust and supporting the events to make them possible. We look forward hosting the international players at Bengaluru and for a fortnight of sensational Tennis in the city,” he added.

Sanctioning the events, Joanna Langhome, Director ATP Challenger Tour, in a message said: “The ATP Challenger Tour is delighted to welcome the Bengaluru Open back to the calendar. After a difficult eighteen months on the professional tennis circuit, these events will provide much needed playing opportunities at the start of our 2022 season.  The Bengaluru Open has been an event of outstanding quality and players are looking forward to re-visiting the excellent playing conditions of the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association facilities and to enjoying the warm welcome extended to them by the tournament team. We extend our thanks to the KSLTA for supporting our Tour with these two events and we look forward to a great week of tennis.”

Congratulating the KSLTA, Anil Dhupar, Hon. Secretary General, All India Tennis Association said that: “On behalf of All India Tennis Association, I congratulate KSLTA for undertaking such a challenging task and setting a shining example by leading the way in conducting such high grade tournaments in India. Conduct of such tournaments require great deal of organizational skills as well as financial resources. I am quite sure such tournaments will benefit out Indian players immensely.”

The tournament is a perfect platform for National and International players, as well as aspiring local players, to compete at an International Challenger stage, and improve their ATP rankings, and compete at Grand Slams. Prajnesh, backed by his victory in the 2018 edition made it to the main draw of five consecutive Grand Slams while Sumit Nagal’s fairytale victory in the 2017 edition of the Bengaluru Open had helped him jump over 150 places and reach a career best ranking of 125.