Same number of ATP Challengers, but different prize pools

India will host four ATP Challenger Tour events for the third season in a row, albeit with significant changes to the schedule, prize money and ranking points.

In 2025, the series started on February 3 in Chennai where the total prize money was $160,000. It was followed by those in Delhi ($100,000; 75 ranking points for the champion), Pune ($160,000; 100 ranking points) and Bengaluru ($200,000; 125 ranking points) in consecutive weeks. Across the four Challenger events, Indian players managed to win only one of the thirteen singles matches in the main draw.

According to the revised ATP calendar released on December 4, the 2026 season for the second tier of men’s tennis will start on January 5 in Bengaluru. This time the event offers 125 ranking points and more prize money ($225,000).

However, the Chennai Challenger, which starts on February 9, has a lower prize pool of $63,000 (50 ranking points).

The Delhi Open, which starts on February 16, will have a slightly higher prize pool ($107,000) and 75 ranking points, while the Pune leg, which starts on February 23, will have a decrease in prize money ($107,000) and 75 ranking points.

Sunder Iyer, dear. secy., Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association, explained the reason behind the lower prize money for Chennai and Pune.

“In 2025, all four tournaments in India received significant financial assistance from ATP. For the next season, they have selected another country for that. They will still support us, but the financial assistance has been reduced,” Sunder said.