Sweeny-Watanabe Top Doubles Field As Dev-Sinha Lead Indian Charge At Delhi Open 2026

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Delhi Open 2026 will feature a strong doubles field, led by Australia’s Dane Sweeny and Japan’s Seita Watanabe, when play begins at the DLTA Complex from February 16–22. Indian pair S D Prajwal Dev and Nitin Kumar Sinha head the home challenge at this ATP Challenger event.

The tournament’s doubles draw brings together established doubles experts and singles players taking part in both events, which adds extra interest for fans and players. Several competitors will also feature in singles, giving the Delhi Open 2026 doubles event added depth across the week.

Sweeny and Watanabe enter Delhi Open 2026 doubles as the highest-ranked team, with a combined ranking of 265. Watanabe holds a doubles ranking of 127. Sweeny is ranked 138 in singles, and the partnership is expected to be one of the strongest combinations in the competition.

The strength of the field at Delhi Open 2026 doubles is further shown by seven teams gaining direct entry through their doubles rankings. Three players, Dane Sweeny, Jay Clarke and Daniel Michalski, also secured places in the doubles draw through their singles rankings, which adds further quality and experience.

Leading the Indian effort in Delhi Open 2026 doubles are S D Prajwal Dev and Nitin Kumar Sinha, the highest-ranked all-Indian team in the main draw. Dev, ranked 219, and Sinha, ranked 243, aim to make use of home conditions against a strong international entry list in New Delhi.

Delhi Open 2026 doubles also showcases players competing in both singles and doubles draws. Jay Clarke of Great Britain, Dane Sweeny of Australia, Michael Geerts of Belgium, Daniel Michalski of Poland and Rio Noguchi of Japan will feature in both events, underlining the overall competitive level of the tournament.

Delhi Open 2026 doubles significance and DLTA role

DLTA President Rohit Rajpal underlined how Delhi Open 2026 doubles contributes to the event’s position on the ATP Challenger circuit. The Delhi Open remains an important stop on the calendar, offering ranking points and crucial match experience for players seeking progress or rebuilding status.

Speaking about the event’s place in the region, Rajpal said, "The Delhi Open has established itself as one of the most competitive Challenger events in the region. It plays a crucial role in bridging Indian talent with top international competition, giving our players the advantage of competing at home while offering fans world-class tennis from close quarters," Rajpal said.

Highlighting the specific role of doubles at Delhi Open 2026, Rajpal added, "The strength of this year’s doubles field reflects the tournament’s rising quality. The mix of specialist doubles players and singles competitors raises the overall standard and exposes Indian players to diverse playing styles and tactical demands at the Challenger level."

Delhi Lawn Tennis Association, founded in 1971, runs the Delhi Open 2026 doubles event at its DLTA Complex. The association focuses on broadening access to tennis beyond traditional circles and supports programmes such as the Sports Authority of India’s Come and Play scheme, while also developing players who have represented India in Davis Cup competitions.

DLTA has produced Davis Cup players including Vivek Shokeen, Ashutosh Singh, Divij Sharan, Vishal Uppal and Rohit Rajpal. The DLTA Complex includes a centre court, mini centre court and 12 additional courts, helping maintain a busy tennis schedule and supporting tournaments like Delhi Open 2026 doubles along with regular training activity.