Great Britain's Jay Clarke is set to headline the overseas field at the Delhi Open 2026, while Sumit Nagal will lead the Indian contingent at the ATP Challenger tournament, which returns to New Delhi from February 16 to 22. The tournament will be held at the DLTA Complex.
Sumit Nagal, India's top-ranked singles player, is the only Indian to gain direct entry into the singles main draw, making him a key attraction for home fans. Nagal is a regular competitor on the Challenger circuit and will be looking to capitalize on familiar conditions in New Delhi. As of December 1, 2025, Nagal is ranked No. 277 in the world. His highest career ranking was No. 68, achieved on July 15, 2024.
The Delhi Open has earned a reputation for attracting players on the verge of breaking into the top tier of men's tennis. Talented Indian players Manas Dhamne and Karan Singh will participate in the singles qualifiers on February 15, adding to the domestic interest in the tournament.
Rohit Rajpal, President of the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA), emphasized the importance of the Delhi Open for Indian tennis. He stated that the tournament has established itself as one of the most competitive and professionally run Challenger events in the region. Rajpal also noted that the tournament plays a crucial role in connecting Indian talent with top international competition, providing Indian players with the advantage of competing at home and offering fans the chance to witness world-class tennis. He also highlighted the inspiration the event provides to young players, demonstrating that a pathway to the international stage is achievable.
Besides Jay Clarke, the field includes talented Japanese teenager Rei Sakamoto, his compatriot Rio Noguchi, and Kazakhstan's Beibit Zhukayev, highlighting a strong Asian presence.
Sumit Nagal has had a noteworthy career, including winning the 2015 Wimbledon boys' doubles title with Lý Hoàng Nam. In February 2026, Nagal reached the Challenger semifinal in Chennai, where he defeated Jay Clarke before losing to Nicolas Moreno de Alboran. Nagal has also reached a Challenger final in Rome and won a title, becoming the first Indian player to win a Challenger title on European clay. In July 2025, Nagal defeated top seed Jay Clarke at the ATP Challenger 75 event in Tampere, Finland.
