TENN360 | THE FAN'S GUIDE TO THE TOUR
tennis is more than the score.
CHENNAI OPEN
Tour
WTA
Date of event
2-8 Nov 2026
Location
Chennai
Surface
Hard outdoor
Website
Singles Title
J Tjen
Doubles Title
A Sutjiadi/J Tjen
Level
250
TENN360 INSIGHT:
There is something rather lovely about a tournament that feels like it is helping to build the next chapter of tennis in a country with such a huge love for the sport.
The Chennai Open returned to the WTA calendar as a 250 event and is played at the SDAT Tennis Stadium, the same venue that has hosted international tennis in the city for years.
It is not the biggest tournament on the calendar.
And that is rather the point.
You get top-level women's tennis, an enthusiastic home crowd and a proper tennis stadium, all in one of India's most fascinating cities.
Come for the tennis.
Stay because Chennai is considerably more interesting than your hotel room.
I'd choose a seat on the side of the main court, as close to the court as your budget allows.
The SDAT Tennis Stadium is a proper tennis venue rather than a gigantic arena, so even seats further back can still give you a good connection with the action.
But if you're able to get closer, do.
At this level, being near the court is part of the fun. You hear the players, see the reactions and appreciate just how quickly the ball is moving.
And don't assume Centre Court has to be your whole day.
The smaller courts are where you can get much closer to the tennis and potentially discover a player before everyone else starts talking about her.
Excellent.
This is where the smaller scale of Chennai really works in the fan's favour.
The SDAT Tennis Stadium has multiple match courts and practice facilities, so there are opportunities to see players away from the main stadium.
I'd arrive early and look for the practice schedule rather than simply turning up for your main match.
At a tournament like this, you have a much better chance of seeing players at relatively close range.
And if you're lucky enough to catch a home player practising, stay.
The atmosphere can change very quickly when the local crowd gets behind one of its own.
I'd go if you want a WTA tournament that feels genuinely different from the European circuit.
The Chennai Open gives you the chance to see international women's tennis while experiencing a city with its own culture, food and personality.
I'd particularly recommend it if you enjoy smaller tournaments.
You aren't going to spend your day walking several kilometres between stadiums or queueing for everything.
It is much more manageable.
And if you enjoy supporting the growth of tennis in new markets, even better.
There is something satisfying about being part of an event that feels like it is building something rather than simply preserving something that has existed forever.
I'd arrive early.
This is exactly the sort of tournament where I'd rather watch an extra match than spend half the day sitting in a hotel waiting for my favourite player.
The venue has seven match courts, so there is plenty happening away from the main stadium. Wander around, watch some of the earlier matches and see who catches your eye.
And I'd make time for practice if you can.
At a WTA 250, there is a much better chance of getting close to the players than at a huge tournament.
I'd also make an evening of it.
Chennai is hot, lively and full of wonderful food. Watch your tennis, then go out and explore.
Your holiday should not consist entirely of tennis and room service.
Oh yes.
Chennai is hot.
Very hot.
Even outside the main summer months, you should expect heat and humidity, particularly during daytime sessions.
If you're sitting outside for several hours, sunscreen is not optional. Neither are sunglasses and a hat.
I'd also keep water close by and take advantage of shade whenever you can.
If you have a choice between a midday session and an evening one, I'd be tempted by the evening.
The temperature drops a little, the atmosphere gets livelier and you can then go and enjoy Chennai at night.
Everybody wins.
Good, but plan it.
The SDAT Tennis Stadium is in Nungambakkam, a relatively central part of Chennai, which is a big advantage compared with tournaments held on the outskirts of a city.
Taxis and ride-hailing are likely to be the easiest option for visitors, particularly if you're unfamiliar with Chennai.
Public transport can also be useful, but I'd allow extra time because Chennai traffic can be unpredictable.
And remember the heat.
A journey that looks perfectly walkable on a map can feel considerably less clever when you're carrying bags and standing in humid afternoon sunshine.
Get there comfortably.
Save your energy for the tennis.
I'd skip it if you're looking for the scale and glamour of a WTA 1000 or Grand Slam.
This is a WTA 250.
The field won't have the same depth as the biggest tournaments, and the facilities aren't designed to overwhelm you.
I'd also skip it if you struggle badly with heat and humidity.
Chennai is not going to apologise for the weather.
And if you're travelling halfway around the world purely to see one particular player, I'd wait until the draw is confirmed before booking everything.
The entry list is never a guarantee.
Tennis players do occasionally change their minds.
Power in Numbers
32
Single Draws
5,800
Centre court seat
7
Courts