Sumit Nagal Leads Indian Challenge at MahaOpen ATP Challenger 75 in Pune; Players from 24 Countries to Compete
Pune, February 20, 2026: Indian Davis Cup star Sumit Nagal will spearhead the Indian challenge at the PMRDA Powered MahaOpen ATP Challenger 75 Men’s Tennis Championship, as top players from 24 countries gather in Pune for one of India’s premier ATP Challenger tournaments.
The international event, organized by the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) in association with the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Maharashtra, along with PMC, PCMC and PMDTA, will be held at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mhalunge Balewadi, from February 22 to March 1, 2026.
Sponsored by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) under a five-year agreement, the tournament is a key stop on the ATP Challenger circuit in India.
Strong International Field at Pune ATP Challenger
Australia’s Dane Sweeny and former Australian Open doubles champion Jason Kubler headline the overseas contingent in the ATP Challenger 75 event, which offers valuable ATP ranking points and prize money.
The Pune tournament is the third in a series of three ATP Challenger events being hosted in India this season, following successful legs in Chennai and Delhi — further strengthening India’s presence on the global tennis calendar.
Boost for Indian Tennis
Speaking about the event, MSLTA President Prashant Sutar said the primary objective is to provide high-quality international competition for Indian players on home soil.
“The PMRDA Powered MahaOpen Challenger is another feather in the cap of Indian tennis. Hosting such a prestigious ATP Challenger in Pune enhances the global sporting image of the Pune Metropolitan Region and gives Indian players crucial exposure.”
MSLTA Honorary Secretary Sunder Iyer added that organizing back-to-back international events aligns with the association’s long-term vision for tennis development in Maharashtra. This follows the successful staging of the L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series.
Apart from Sumit Nagal, three additional Indian players will enter the main draw through wildcards, ensuring strong home representation at the Pune ATP Challenger 2026.
Tournament Format and Draw Details
- Main Draw: 32 players
- 23 direct acceptances
- 3 wildcards
- 6 qualifiers
- Qualifying Draw: 24 players
Officials noted that between 2024 and March 2026, MSLTA will have hosted international tennis events worth over $375,000 (₹3.4 crore) — among the highest cumulative prize pools in the country — made possible through government and corporate support.
Event Officials and Partners
- ATP Supervisor: Rogerio Santos (Portugal)
- Referee: Leena Nageshkar
- Chief of Officials: Amit Deshpande
Event partners include Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), Bisleri (Beverage Partner), Manipal Hospitals (Medical Partner), and Dunlop (Equipment Partner).
Free Entry for Spectators
Matches at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex will begin daily from 11:00 AM onwards, and entry is free for spectators, making it an excellent opportunity for tennis fans in Pune to watch international ATP Challenger action live.
Probable Seedings – PMRDA MahaOpen ATP Challenger 75 Pune
- Dane Sweeny (AUS, 151)
- Jason Kubler (AUS, 179)
- Jay Clarke (GBR, 186)
- Federico Agustin Gomez (ARG, 197)
- Oliver Crawford (GBR, 213)
- Ilia Simakin (214)
- Luka Pavlovic (FRA, 219)
- Federico Cina (ITA, 225)
