Indian tennis continues to make steady strides on the global doubles circuit, and 27-year-old Anirudh Chandrasekar is the latest name to shine.
Teaming up with American partner Reese Stalder, Chandrasekar captured the ATP 100 Jingshan Challenger doubles title in Hubei, China, on Sunday, marking one of the biggest victories of his professional career. The triumph is set to propel the Chennai-born player to a career-high doubles ranking of world No. 86, a significant milestone in his ascent on the ATP Tour. The Indo-American pair capped their campaign with a hard-fought 6-2, 2-6, [10-7] win over the experienced duo of Yu-Hsiou Huang (Taiwan) and Seongchan Park (Korea) in the championship match.
The final perfectly encapsulated the drama and intensity of Challenger doubles tennis momentum swung sharply across the match before Chandrasekar and Stalder held their nerve in the deciding match tiebreak.
Starting aggressively, Chandrasekar and Stalder raced through the opening set 6-2, breaking early and using sharp net play to keep their opponents on the back foot. The second set, however, saw Huang and Park regroup with strong returns and more consistent first serves, leveling the match by taking it 6-2. The decider came down to a tense super tiebreak, where the Indo-American duo produced clutch serves and deft volleys at crucial points to close out the match 10-7.
For Chandrasekar, the victory was as much about mental strength as technical skill. “We stayed positive even after losing the second set. The key was to focus on every point and back ourselves in the tiebreak,” he said after the match, reflecting the resilience that has defined his recent surge in the rankings.
A Marathon Day of Tennis
The title run was made even more impressive by the fact that Chandrasekar and Stalder had to win two matches on the same day to reach the final. In the quarterfinals, they swept aside the Taiwanese pairing of Ho and Hsu 6-1, 7-6(7), combining aggressive baseline play with quick exchanges at the net to move into the last four.
The semifinal presented a tougher challenge against the experienced duo of Nathaniel Lammons (USA) and Jean-Julien Rojer (Netherlands) the latter a four-time Grand Slam doubles champion. After dropping the first set 4-6, Chandrasekar and Stalder mounted a spirited comeback, taking the second 7-5 before dominating the match tiebreak [10-4]. The upset win over a team boasting such pedigree gave them the confidence to attack freely in the final.
Career-High Ranking and Momentum
With this title, Chandrasekar is projected to climb to a career-best No. 86 in the ATP Doubles Rankings, breaking into the world’s top 90 for the first time. For a player who began the 2024 season outside the top 150, the steady upward trajectory reflects months of hard work, smart scheduling, and a growing chemistry with Stalder.
The Indian has now collected multiple Challenger titles in 2025, and his consistency on the circuit is turning heads. This latest victory not only boosts his ranking but also strengthens his chances of gaining direct entry into ATP 250 main draws and Grand Slam qualifying rounds a crucial step for any doubles specialist looking to make a lasting impact.
Chandrasekar’s partnership with Reese Stalder has quickly developed into one of the more exciting pairings on the Challenger circuit. The duo complement each other’s styles: Chandrasekar’s sharp reflexes and precise returns mesh well with Stalder’s strong serve and aggressive net play. Their ability to adapt under pressure has yielded multiple deep runs in recent tournaments and a growing reputation as a tough team to beat in decisive super tiebreaks.
For Indian tennis, Chandrasekar’s rise is another encouraging sign in doubles a category where the country has traditionally excelled. Following the footsteps of legends like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Rohan Bopanna, a new generation of Indian players is emerging to keep the nation competitive at the highest levels. With his latest success, Chandrasekar joins the likes of N Sriram Balaji, Yuki Bhambri, and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan in keeping the Indian flag flying on the Challenger and ATP circuits.
Chandrasekar’s climb also comes at a time when India is seeking fresh faces to carry its doubles legacy into the next decade. His ability to win big matches against seasoned opponents and steadily improve his ranking suggests he could soon be in contention for appearances at Masters 1000 events and, eventually, Grand Slam main draws.
With a career-high ranking now within reach, the next few months will be crucial for Chandrasekar as he targets ATP Tour events and Grand Slam qualifications. The Jingshan Challenger title provides both valuable ranking points and confidence as he and Stalder look to transition from the Challenger circuit to bigger stages. For now, the focus remains on building momentum. “This win gives us belief heading into the next tournaments,” Chandrasekar said. “The goal is to keep improving, stay healthy, and break into the top 70 by the end of the season.”
The 2025 Hubei Bank Jingshan Tennis Open will be remembered as the tournament where Anirudh Chandrasekar took another decisive step in his career. With a title in hand, a new career-high ranking on the horizon, and growing recognition on the international stage, the 27-year-old is fast emerging as one of India’s brightest doubles prospects.
If his current form continues, the top echelons of the ATP Tour may soon have another Indian name to reckon with.
