India’s challenge in the singles draw at the Chennai Open came to a disappointing halt as Sumit Nagal and Sidharth Rawat bowed out in the second round, ending home hopes in the singles category. The early exits marked a setback for Indian tennis fans who were eager to see a deep run from the country’s top contenders at the prestigious hard-court tournament.

Sumit Nagal, widely regarded as India’s leading singles player in recent years, entered the tournament with high expectations. Known for his aggressive baseline play and fighting spirit, Nagal showed glimpses of promise in the opening round. However, he struggled to maintain consistency against a higher-ranked opponent in the second round. Unforced errors at crucial moments and difficulty converting break points ultimately proved costly, cutting short his campaign.

Sidharth Rawat, another prominent Indian contender, also displayed resilience but failed to capitalize on key opportunities during his second-round clash. Despite pushing his opponent in extended rallies and showing strong defensive skills, Rawat was unable to close out tight sets. His exit alongside Nagal ensured that no Indian player remained in the singles draw, shifting the spotlight to the doubles competition.

While the singles results were disappointing, the doubles event has provided fresh optimism for Indian tennis enthusiasts. The Indo-Thai pairing of Niki Poonacha and Pruchya Isaro has advanced to the semifinals after a series of impressive performances. Their chemistry at the net and effective coordination on serve have made them a formidable duo in the tournament.

They are set to face the all-Indian pair of Prajwal Dev and Nitin Sinha in what promises to be an exciting semifinal showdown. With at least one Indian guaranteed a place in the doubles final, fans can look forward to a strong home presence in the closing stages of the event.

The Chennai Open has historically served as an important platform for Indian players to gain valuable ATP points and exposure against international competition. Although the singles campaign ended sooner than anticipated, the tournament continues to highlight the depth of talent emerging in Indian doubles tennis. Strong performances in doubles events have long been a hallmark of Indian tennis, and this year’s semifinal lineup reinforces that tradition.

As the competition intensifies, attention now turns to whether an Indian duo can convert semifinal momentum into a title-winning performance. For Nagal and Rawat, the focus will shift to upcoming tournaments as they aim to regroup and climb the rankings. Meanwhile, the doubles semifinal promises high-intensity action and a renewed opportunity for Indian tennis to shine on home soil.