WTA 250 Chennai Open scheduled for November 2-8

The WTA 250 Chennai Open will be held in Chennai from November 2 to 8 after the Government of Tamil Nadu provided an initial ₹10 crore in support, organisers said at a press conference.

The Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA) said it is confident of raising the remaining sponsorship required to host the international women’s event in its third year. TNTA president Vijay Amritraj, speaking at a press conference on Friday, said almost all the corporates that had backed the tournament previously had agreed to return; the 72-year-old also thanked the State’s Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for his support.

Organisers announced that, for the first time, electronic line-calling technology will be used on every court at the tournament — the Centre Court and the three outside courts. Last year, Hawk Eye was deployed only on the Centre Court.

Amritraj said discussions are underway to attract higher-ranked competitors, noting talks to secure “two to four world’s top-50 players this time.”

Sandeep Nanduri, Secretary, Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, pledged full assistance to the TNTA in staging the event. “We are very happy that the event is being jointly organised with TNTA and whatever support is required, our SDAT-Nungambakkam stadium will be geared up,” he said.

Nanduri also discussed a longer-term goal concerning men’s professional tennis in the State, stating: “.....We are also aiming to bring the ATP 250 event [back] also to Tamil Nadu. I am sure TNTA will support that dream of our department,” he said.

Organisers said they will continue to finalise sponsorship agreements and player confirmations in the run-up to the tournament scheduled for November 2-8 in Chennai.