After a three-year hiatus, world-class women’s tennis returns to Indian soil with the WTA Chennai Open 2025, set to take place from October 27 to November 2 at the SDAT Tennis Stadium.
The $275,094 event marks only the second edition of the Chennai Open after its successful debut in 2022, and promises an exciting mix of rising stars, returning contenders, and local hopefuls ready to make their mark.
The 2025 edition of the Chennai Open carries greater weight than its 2022 predecessor. As one of Asia’s closing events on the WTA calendar, the tournament offers players crucial ranking points ahead of the season’s final stretch while re-establishing India’s place on the global tennis circuit. For Indian fans, this event represents a revival of international women’s tennis in the country and a rare opportunity to see emerging global talents alongside homegrown players competing on hard courts under the Chennai lights.
The Top Seeds: A Clash of Momentum and Opportunity
The main draw features several debutants in Chennai, all looking to end their 2025 season with silverware and momentum heading into 2026.
[1] Zeynep Sonmez (Turkey): The 23-year-old from Turkey enters as the top seed after a breakthrough year. Ranked No.69 in the world, Sonmez comes to Chennai following a strong Asian swing highlighted by her stunning win over World No.12 Clara Tauson in Beijing her first career Top-20 victory. Already a WTA title winner in Merida (2024), Sonmez’s aggressive baseline play and relentless consistency make her one of the top contenders to lift her second career trophy this week.
[2] Francesca Jones (Great Britain): The Briton has been one of 2025’s most inspiring stories. After claiming her maiden WTA 125 title in Palermo earlier this summer, Francesca Jones broke into the Top 100 for the first time. Now seeded No.2 in Chennai, Jones will aim to cap her season with a deep run. Her semifinal finish in São Paulo remains her best tour-level result this year, and with improved health and fitness, she will be keen to make the most of her first appearance as a top-two seed at a WTA event.
[3] Donna Vekić (Croatia): A familiar name to WTA fans, Donna Vekić returns to the Indian subcontinent for the first time in her career. Though she has yet to make a quarterfinal appearance in 2025, Vekić’s pedigree cannot be overlooked. The Croatian has four career titles and reached her first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon 2023. Chennai could provide the perfect stage for her to rediscover her winning rhythm and end a challenging season on a high note.
[4] Janice Tjen (Indonesia): At 23, Janice Tjen is one of the most promising players to emerge from Southeast Asia in recent years. Fresh from reaching her first WTA final in São Paulo and earning a career-high ranking of World No.80, Tjen is fast gaining a reputation for her composed shot-making and tactical intelligence. Her upset win over World No.25 Veronika Kudermetova at the US Open earlier this year was a clear indicator of her potential to challenge the elite.
Spotlight on the Wildcards: India’s Rising Generation
The Chennai Open has always served as a vital platform for Indian players, and this year’s wildcards continue that legacy.
- Maaya Rajeshwaren Revathi (India): At just 16 years old, Maaya is the youngest player in the main draw. Known for her clean ball striking and competitive temperament, she represents the next generation of Indian tennis. This will be her WTA Tour debut, offering valuable exposure against world-class opponents.
- Sahaja Yamalapalli (India): The 22-year-old from Hyderabad has been India’s most consistent performer on the ITF circuit this season. Her aggressive game and experience in high-pressure matches make her a player capable of springing surprises.
- Shrivalli Bhamidipati (India): The 23-year-old from Telangana, a former national champion and standout on the collegiate circuit, is another wildcard debutant who will be looking to make a statement.
- Mia Pohankova (Slovakia): The 17-year-old Wimbledon junior champion has also been handed a wildcard. Her grass-court prowess and smooth transition to hard courts make her one of the young names to watch.
For the Indian trio, the spotlight will be immense. With the home crowd behind them, they’ll look to emulate the fight and flair of Indian tennis greats who once graced the same courts.
Tournament Details and Setting
- Venue: SDAT Tennis Stadium, Chennai
- Surface: Hard / Outdoor
- Draw Size: 32 Singles / 16 Doubles
- Prize Money: $275,094
- Dates: October 27 – November 2, 2025
- Finals: Sunday, November 2
The Chennai Open 2025 will be played with Wilson Tour Premier All Court balls, under typically humid late-October conditions that test players’ endurance as much as their skill.
Historical Context: A Young Tournament with a Legacy to Build
The first edition in 2022 was memorable for its high-quality tennis and enthusiastic crowd support. Then-17-year-old Linda Fruhvirtova captured her maiden WTA title, defeating Poland’s Magda Linette in a three-set final (4-6, 6-3, 6-4). In doubles, the top-seeded pair of Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani dominated the field, winning 6-1, 6-2 in the final. As the second edition unfolds, the WTA’s return to Chennai is not just about competition it’s about rekindling India’s connection with elite women’s tennis, inspiring the next generation of players and fans alike.
The 2025 Chennai Open field reflects tennis’s growing diversity, featuring players from 18 nations including Australia, Japan, Italy, France, Croatia, Slovakia, and Indonesia. For many, this will be their first visit to India and a chance to adapt to the local conditions and passionate fan base.
With 250 WTA ranking points and over $36,000 for the singles champion, Chennai offers players valuable late-season rewards. For the likes of Sonmez and Jones, the goal is to consolidate their Top 100 spots and build momentum heading into the Australian summer. For emerging players like Pohankova, Tjen, and India’s wildcards, it’s a chance to earn breakthrough victories that could define their careers.
Indian Tennis: The Bigger Picture
The Chennai Open’s revival comes at a crucial juncture for Indian tennis. With a growing base of young female players and renewed federation support, the country is aiming to restore its presence on the WTA map. The event also coincides with greater domestic visibility for women’s sports, positioning tennis as a key part of India’s evolving sporting identity.
If even one of the Indian wildcards manages to pull off a notable upset, it could reignite public interest and strengthen the case for India hosting more WTA and ITF events in the coming years.
As the Chennai Open 2025 begins, anticipation is high for a week of competitive tennis, breakout performances, and inspiring stories. With an exciting mix of top seeds, debutants, and homegrown hopefuls, this edition promises to deliver both emotion and quality the perfect blend for a city and country eager to re-establish their place on the global tennis stage.
Chennai is ready. The world is watching.
