The upcoming WTA 250 Chennai Open, scheduled to take place at the SDAT Stadium in Nungambakkam from November 2 to 8, marks the end of its current tenure. The tournament is being replaced on the calendar by a new event in Manila, a move driven by the WTA and license-holder Octagon to leverage the rising profile of Filipino star and world number 20, Alexandra Eala.
Amritraj targets 2028 expansion for WTA 125 circuit
Addressing the future of the sport in India, Amritraj revealed plans to secure four consecutive WTA 125 tournaments in early 2028. These events, which sit between the main WTA Tour and the ITF circuit in terms of prestige and ranking points, are intended to be hosted across four different states: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
The 72-year-old tennis legend confirmed that initial discussions have already taken place with the governing body. According to Amritraj, tentative dates have been blocked for the proposed swing in January and February 2028. Mumbai has served as a host for a WTA 125 event for the past three seasons, providing a foundation for this broader expansion strategy.
Chennai remains on standby for future opportunities
Beyond the 2028 proposal, Amritraj emphasized that Chennai remains prepared to step in should any vacancies arise in the international calendar sooner. While the current focus is on the upcoming November tournament, the veteran administrator noted that the city’s extensive history of hosting both ATP and WTA events makes it a natural candidate for last-minute opportunities.
Amritraj also acknowledged the potential impact of regional instability on the global tennis schedule. With West Asia slated to host several tournaments in early 2027, he suggested that any disruption in that region could create openings for other venues. He expressed confidence in the city's ability to mobilize quickly, stating that given a two-week window to secure necessary funding, Chennai would be ready to host high-level professional tennis at short notice.
