Four Indians Storm into Main Draw with Wildcards at Kalaburagi Open W35 Jennifer Luikham, Soha Sadiq, Sama Chevika Reddy and Amodini Naik headline India’s charge five more receive qualifying wildcards A Defining Moment for Indian Tennis in Kalaburagi

 

Four Indians Storm into Main Draw with Wildcards at Kalaburagi Open W35

Jennifer Luikham, Soha Sadiq, Sama Chevika Reddy and Amodini Naik headline India’s charge

five more receive qualifying wildcards

A Defining Moment for Indian Tennis in Kalaburagi

Bengaluru : Indian tennis takes centre stage in North Karnataka as four promising stars Jennifer Luikham, Soha Sadiq, Sama Chevika Reddy and Amodini Naik have been awarded coveted main draw wildcards for the Kalaburagi Open W35, scheduled from March 2–8, 2026, with qualifying rounds commencing on March 1. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Chandrashekhar Patil Stadium, the USD 30,000 international tournament promises to spotlight India’s emerging talent in front of a global field.

 

Main Draw Opportunities: A Stage for Rising Indian Stars

The inclusion of Jennifer Luikham, Soha Sadiq, Sama Chevika Reddy and Amodini Naik in the main draw marks a major boost for Indian women’s tennis. Competing directly in a W35-level event not only offers significant WTA ranking points but also invaluable exposure against seasoned international professionals. For these four players, the wildcard entries represent both recognition of potential and a platform to accelerate their professional journeys on home soil.

 

Qualifying Wildcards: The Battle Before the Battle

The road to the main draw remains fiercely competitive. Five additional Indian players Potugari Chandana, Omna Yadav Davunaboina, Harshini Nagaraj, Snigdha Kanta and Hridayeshi Pai have been granted qualifying wildcards. They will compete for limited spots in the final bracket, where high-stakes matches offer ranking points and the chance to test themselves against international opponents. The qualifiers are expected to deliver intense matchups and breakthrough performances.

 

International Tennis Returns After a Decade

The 2026 edition carries historic significance, marking the return of international women’s professional tennis to Kalaburagi after nearly a decade. The last such event was held in 2015, and this revival reinforces Karnataka’s growing stature as a reliable host of world-class tournaments. The state has consistently expanded its tennis footprint, strengthening the professional women’s circuit in India.

 

KSLTA Reaffirms Commitment to Indian Talent

Welcoming the development, Sunil Yajaman, Hon. Joint Secretary of the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA), stated, “We are proud to see four talented Indian players earn main draw wildcards. Events of this level are crucial in providing young athletes with international exposure and valuable ranking opportunities at home.”

 

With participation expected from players representing more than 11 nations, the Kalaburagi Open W35 promises a thrilling week of elite competition and a powerful showcase of India’s next generation of tennis stars.