Karan Singh Falls to Michalski in Thrilling Delhi Open Match

India’s Karan Singh faced a narrow defeat against Daniel Michalski of Poland in a gripping three-set match during the first round of the 2026 Delhi Open on February 16, 2026. The ATP Challenger 75 event, held at the DLTA Complex, features 32 men’s singles players and 16 doubles teams competing for the coveted title from February 16 to 22.

In a match that showcased intense competition, Michalski, the seventh seed, rallied back from a set down to secure a 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-3 victory. Reflecting on the match, Michalski remarked, “I was already with one foot outside of the tournament. Then my game came back, and I showed way better tennis at the end. Tennis on the higher level is a sport of very tiny margins.”

Sureshkumar Advances to Main Draw

In a notable achievement, Manish Sureshkumar became the only Indian player to progress from the qualifying rounds to the main draw. He triumphed over Korea’s Uisung Park with a score of 6-3, 7-5 after recovering from a 5-3 deficit in the second set. The 26-year-old expressed his delight at performing well on a court he considers special.

“This is one of my favourite courts because I’ve played a lot of matches. Even the two Nationals I have won have been here. So, this court is really special for me, and I was really happy about the way I played today,” Sureshkumar said. He added that entering the qualifying draw as an alternate was unexpected, stating, “Sometimes unexpected things happen, and I just want to keep the momentum going in the main draw. I’m kind of the underdog, so I just want to keep the momentum going now.”

In contrast, fellow Indian Ramkumar Ramanathan was unable to advance, losing in straight sets to Hyeon Chung, a former world No. 19, with a score of 6-2, 6-2. Chung is making his return following a series of injuries that sidelined him for most of 2024.

Tournament Highlights and Prize Structure

The 2026 Delhi Open, now in its sixth edition, features a competitive field as part of the ATP Challenger 75 series. The tournament offers significant ranking points—75 to the singles and doubles champions, 50 for the doubles runners-up, and 44 for the singles runner-up. The singles champion will receive $17,000 in prize money, while the runner-up will take home $9,600. The doubles champions will share $4,980, with runners-up splitting $2,880.

Top seeds Denis Yevseyev from Kazakhstan, Ioannis Xilas from Greece, Maks Kasnikowski from Poland, and Alexandr Binda from Italy all secured their spots in the main draw by winning their qualifying matches.

Historical Context

The Delhi Open has a rich history, with Somdev Devvarman being the only Indian singles champion, winning consecutive titles in 2014 and 2015. Additionally, there have been two all-Indian doubles champions, with Saketh Myneni/Sanam Singh and Yuki Bhambri/Mahesh Bhupathi lifting the trophy in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Sureshkumar as he takes on some of the world’s best players, aiming to make his mark in the main draw.

Day 2 Results Summary

Men’s singles main draw – first round:
– [5] Oliver Crawford (GBR) d. Duje Ajdukovic (CRO) 7-6 (3), 7-5
– [7] Daniel Michalski (POL) d. [WC] Karan Singh (IND) 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3
– Michael Geerts (BEL) d. Edas Butvilas (LTU) 6-3, 7-5

Men’s Singles qualifying – final round:
– [1/Alt] Denis Yevseyev (KAZ) d. Alexander Donski (BUL) 4-6, 6-4, 6-1
– [2] Ioannis Xilas (GRE) d. [10] Eric Vanshelboim (UKR) 6-3, 6-2
– [3] Hyeon Chung (KOR) d. [WC] Ramkumar Ramanathan 6-2, 6-2
– [4] Maks Kasnikowski (POL) d. [Alt] Grigoriy Lomakin (KAZ) 6-1, 6-2
– [7] Alexandr Binda (ITA) d. [6] Luca Castelnuovo (SUI) walkover
– [Alt] Manish Sureshkumar (IND) d. [Alt] Uisung Park (KOR) 6-3, 7-5.

As the competition continues, the excitement surrounding the Delhi Open promises high-quality tennis and memorable moments for players and fans alike.