Alternate entrant M Sureshkumar produced the standout performance on Day 1 of qualifying at the ATP Delhi Open 2026, overturning a first-set deficit to defeat fifth seed Lorenzo Carboni of Italy at the DLTA Complex.
The 26-year-old Chennai-based professional, who secured his place in the draw at the eleventh hour, rallied to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in one hour and 53 minutes, booking his place in the final round of qualifying. Later in the day, wild card Ramkumar Ramanathan added to the home contingent’s strong showing with a clinical 6-1, 6-3 win over eighth seed Tsung-Hao Huang of Chinese Taipei.
Sureshkumar’s Composed Turnaround
Coming into the event without the certainty of participation, Sureshkumar admitted he had tempered expectations. Carboni, 19, began assertively and edged a competitive opening set 6-4, capitalising on a handful of unforced errors. However, the momentum shifted sharply in the second set. Sureshkumar began dictating exchanges with improved first-serve percentages and greater clarity in his point construction. By targeting Carboni’s forehand wing and drawing him into longer rallies, the Indian steadily gained control. The 6-2 second set reflected that growing dominance.
In the decider, Sureshkumar maintained his intensity, serving efficiently and forcing the Italian deeper behind the baseline. Once he secured an early break, he showed composure in closing out the contest 6-3, completing one of the day’s most significant upsets.
“I wasn’t sure if I’d be coming to Delhi because I got my entry at the very last minute,” Sureshkumar said. “I didn’t have any expectations going in. I focused on my patterns and stuck to what I wanted to execute. Once I understood his strengths and weaknesses, I adjusted accordingly.”
It was a performance built on tactical discipline rather than flashes of brilliance — a quality that will be essential as he eyes a main-draw berth.
Ramkumar’s Straight-Sets Statement
Ramkumar Ramanathan, competing as a wild card in qualifying, was equally efficient. The former Davis Cupper dismantled Huang with controlled aggression, conceding just four games in a 6-1, 6-3 victory. Ramkumar’s first serve proved decisive, while his forehand penetrated effectively through the court. Importantly, he limited unforced errors and maintained scoreboard pressure throughout. The result sets up a crucial final qualifying round clash, with six main-draw spots up for grabs.
Qualifying action delivered multiple tight encounters. Top qualifying seed Denis Yevseyev of Kazakhstan was extended in a three-set battle before overcoming Mitsuki Wei Kang Leong 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-4. Third seed Hyeon Chung of Korea, a former Australian Open semi-finalist, looked sharp in a 6-2, 6-1 win over Nitin Kumar Sinha.
Elsewhere, tenth seed Eric Vanshelboim recovered from a set down to defeat Sidharth Rawat 5-7, 6-2, 6-2. Second seed Ioannis Xilas survived a tense opening-set tie-break against wildcard Ishaque Eqbal before pulling away 7-6(6), 6-2, 6-3. There were further upsets as Alexander Donski eliminated 12th seed S D Prajwal Dev in straight sets, while Korea’s Uisung Park stunned ninth seed Mukund Sasikumar 6-4, 6-2. Luca Castelnuovo and Alexandr Binda advanced without dropping a set, while Maks Kasnikowski also secured a comfortable win on Centre Court.
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As an ATP Challenger 75 event, the Delhi Open carries significant ranking implications. The singles and doubles champions will earn 75 ranking points, with the singles winner receiving $17,000 in prize money. For players hovering near key ranking thresholds, these points are vital in maintaining tour access and entry into higher-tier events.
With six qualification spots still to be decided, Monday’s final round promises high-intensity contests. For Indian hopefuls, the strong start provides momentum but the margin for error narrows considerably from here.
Sureshkumar’s late entry may have come with uncertainty, but his performance has already brought clarity: on a day of fine margins, belief and tactical execution made the difference.
