The wait is finally over. After three years, the lights are back on at the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Nungambakkam, as Chennai prepares to welcome the second edition of the Chennai Open International Women’s Tennis Championship a WTA 250 event that promises to reignite the city’s passion for world-class tennis.
Scheduled from October 27 to November 2, 2025, the tournament marks the closing leg of the 2025 WTA circuit, with only the prestigious year-ending Masters in Turin to follow. This makes Chennai one of just three WTA events globally to be played at this stage of the season, underlining its growing prominence on the international tennis map.
Chennai’s tryst with professional tennis began with the long-running ATP 250 men’s event, which brought global stars to Indian shores for over two decades. In 2022, the city made a historic pivot by hosting its first-ever WTA 250 women’s event, marking the highest-ranked international women’s tennis competition ever held in India. The success of that inaugural edition laid the groundwork for a sustained legacy one that now continues with renewed energy in 2025.
A World-Class Field
This year’s draw is both competitive and compelling. Players from 15 countries will converge in Chennai, fighting not only for ranking points but also to fine-tune their form ahead of the 2026 season.
Among the headliners is Donna Vekić of Croatia (World No. 69), the 2024 Wimbledon semifinalist and Olympic silver medalist, whose attacking style and charisma make her a crowd favorite. Joining her is Lulu Sun of New Zealand (World No. 146), who made a dream run to the Wimbledon quarterfinals earlier this year. Fans will also see the return of Magda Linette of Poland the 2022 Chennai Open runner-up and Linda Fruhvirtova of the Czech Republic, the 20-year-old prodigy who lifted the inaugural title three years ago. Adding further star power is Tatjana Maria of Germany, a two-time WTA title winner and a mother of two, who continues to inspire with her longevity and graceful game.
The tournament features eight players ranked inside the world’s top 100, with the entry cutoff set at World No. 161, ensuring a fiercely competitive field.
Young Guns and Rising Talents
The Chennai Open has also earned a reputation as a springboard for emerging stars. This year’s line-up includes Nikola Bartunkova (19, Czech Republic) and Maria Timofeeva (21, Russia), both regarded as promising next-generation players. Their presence adds an exciting layer of unpredictability to the competition. Other notable entrants include Francesca Jones (Great Britain), Lucia Bronzetti (Italy), Zeynep Sönmez (Turkey), and Diane Parry (France), all of whom have enjoyed strong 2025 seasons on the WTA Tour.
Indian Contenders Await Main Draw Spots
India’s representation in the main draw will be confirmed closer to the event, but expectations are high for Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, and Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi, the 16-year-old sensation from Coimbatore. Their participation will add a local flavor to an otherwise global field, giving home fans plenty to cheer for. The tournament structure will feature a 32-player singles main draw comprising 23 direct entries, 4 qualifiers, 4 wild cards, and 1 special exempt alongside a 16-team doubles draw with 14 direct entries and 2 wild cards.
The event is organized under the supervision of WTA Supervisor Shu Chen, with Hiten Joshi serving as the Tournament Director. The event management and media coordination are being handled by Red Consulting.
Beyond the competition, the Chennai Open embodies the city’s enduring love affair with tennis. From the cheers that once echoed for ATP champions like Wawrinka and Cilic to today’s generation of rising women stars, the SDAT Stadium continues to serve as a crucible of inspiration for Indian tennis fans. With a mix of international flair and local pride, the 2025 edition of the Chennai Open is poised to rekindle that same magic transforming Nungambakkam once again into the beating heart of women’s tennis in India.
