The Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) has awarded main draw wildcards to Davis Cupper Karan Singh and teenage prodigy Manas Dhamne for the upcoming Delhi Open, set to begin on February 16 at the DLTA Complex.
Digvijay Pratap Singh has also been granted a main draw wildcard, underlining a clear emphasis on rewarding recent national representation while investing in emerging Indian talent.
The ATP Challenger event, now a firm fixture on India’s professional calendar, provides a critical platform for domestic players to test themselves against established international competition. This year’s wildcard selections reflect a blend of recognition and long-term planning.
Recognition for Davis Cup Contributions
Karan Singh’s inclusion follows his involvement in India’s successful Davis Cup tie against the Netherlands in Bengaluru. Though his role in that campaign was within a larger squad structure, the wildcard signals acknowledgement of his presence in the national setup and his consistent performances across the professional circuit.
Singh has steadily built his profile through disciplined baseline play and improved match management, traits that have elevated his ranking and positioned him among India’s most promising young professionals. Competing in a home Challenger event offers him an opportunity to consolidate momentum and convert experience into ranking points.
Digvijay Pratap Singh, who served as a reserve member of the Davis Cup squad during the same tie, has also been rewarded. His selection recognises not only his contribution within the team environment but also his steady progress in domestic and ITF-level tournaments. Exposure at Challenger level competition is expected to accelerate his development curve.
Spotlight on Manas Dhamne
At just 18, Manas Dhamne remains one of the most closely watched prospects in Indian tennis. His wildcard entry into the main draw is both an endorsement of his potential and an investment in his competitive education.
Dhamne has demonstrated marked improvement over the past year, combining physical growth with tactical maturity. His recent performances, including breakthrough results on the ITF circuit and a climb into the ATP top 500, indicate a trajectory aligned with higher-level competition.
For players in this developmental phase, consistent exposure to Challenger tournaments is crucial. Facing opponents ranked significantly above him will test his resilience, shot tolerance and decision-making under pressure elements essential for long-term progression.
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Commenting on the selections, DLTA President Rohit Rajpal emphasised that the decisions balance immediate merit with future vision.
“Karan Singh and Digvijay Pratap Singh played important roles in the recent Davis Cup campaign, and this wildcard recognises their contribution to the team’s success. Manas Dhamne is one of the most exciting young talents in the country today, and it is important that we provide him opportunities at events like the Delhi Open to help him grow and gain valuable experience at a higher level,” Rajpal stated.
The statement underscores a broader strategic approach — leveraging Challenger events hosted in India as stepping stones for domestic players aiming to bridge the gap between ITF-level competition and the ATP Tour.
Qualifying Wildcards Announced
In addition to the main draw selections, the DLTA confirmed four qualifying singles wildcards. Nitin Kumar Sinha, Ishaque Eqbal, Udit Kamboj and Denis Yevseyev will compete in the qualifying draw, seeking entry into the main tournament.
The qualifying rounds present a valuable proving ground, often offering players an opportunity to build match rhythm before the main draw begins. For Indian players operating at the fringes of Challenger-level entry lists, these slots can prove decisive in gaining exposure and ATP ranking points.
Strategic Importance of the Delhi Open
As part of the ATP Challenger 75 circuit, the Delhi Open awards 75 ranking points to the singles champion and offers meaningful financial incentives. More importantly, it provides Indian players a rare chance to compete at this level without the travel burden typically associated with the Challenger tour.
Home conditions can serve as a competitive equaliser. Familiar courts, climate and crowd support often allow domestic players to perform closer to their peak levels. For young talents like Dhamne and emerging professionals such as Singh and Digvijay, that advantage may prove critical.
A Platform for Progress
The 2026 edition of the Delhi Open reinforces its role as both a competitive tournament and a developmental bridge. By awarding wildcards to players tied to recent national representation and emerging promise, the organisers have signalled a dual commitment: honour current contributions while nurturing the next generation.
Main draw action begins February 16 at the DLTA Complex, where India’s rising names will look to translate opportunity into performance.
