The 10th edition of the Dafa News Bengaluru Open came to an electrifying close on January 10, 2026, at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru, India. This ATP Challenger tournament, known for its high-altitude drama and humid conditions, delivered a day of top-tier tennis in both the men’s doubles and singles finals. With ranking points and substantial prize money on the line, the finals showcased a blend of experience, youth, and sheer resilience. Top seed Pedro Martinez of Spain clinched the singles title in a hard-fought battle, while the Colombian-American duo of Nicolas Barrientos and Benjamin Kittay lifted the doubles trophy. Here’s a breakdown of the action-packed day.
Doubles Final: Barrientos and Kittay’s Energetic Triumph Over French Pair
The doubles final kicked off the day’s proceedings, pitting the unseeded pair of Nicolas Barrientos (Colombia) and Benjamin Kittay (USA) against the French third seeds Arthur Reymond and Luca Sanchez. Played under humid conditions with heavy balls due to recent drizzle, the match highlighted the nuances of doubles play—aggressive returns, net volleys, and strategic serving.
Barrientos, a 36-year-old veteran with a career-high doubles ranking of 47 and two ATP titles under his belt, brought experience and poise to the court. His partner, 22-year-old Kittay from Washington DC, added youthful energy and a wall-like defense at the net. Kittay, who boasts a career-high of 189 and two Challenger titles, was making his debut in India and raved about the local cuisine, particularly aloo parathas. On the other side, the French duo impressed with their one-handed backhands—Reymond (ranked 154 career-high) channeling Roger Federer vibes, and Sanchez (86 career-high) drawing inspiration from Rafael Nadal.
The French pair won the toss and elected to serve, setting the stage for a two-set tie-break format with a 10-point super tie-break if needed. The first set was a serve-dominated affair, pushing into a tie-break where Barrientos and Kittay edged out a 7-6(12-10) victory after intense rallies. The second set saw breaks exchanged, but the Colombian-American team capitalized on Sanchez’s double fault on championship point to seal a 6-3 win.
Key moments included Barrientos’ clever positioning to bait opponents into errors and Kittay’s thunderous overheads and aces. The French fought back with slice serves and backhand down-the-line winners, but the chemistry between Barrientos and Kittay proved unbreakable. “This partnership is just based on energy, great chemistry on court, great positive attitude,” Barrientos said post-match. Kittay echoed the sentiment, praising the “incredible” crowd for boosting their performance.
The winners took home $9,900 and 125 ranking points, while the runners-up earned $5,760 and 75 points. Reymond, experiencing India for the first time, called it his “best tournament after French Open,” lauding the hospitality and sportsmanship.
Singles Final: Pedro Martinez’s Composed Mastery Over Timofey Skatov
Following the doubles excitement, the spotlight shifted to the men’s singles final between top seed Pedro Martinez (Spain, ranked around 90) and the resilient Timofey Skatov (Kazakhstan, ranked 235 with a career-high of 123). This was their first head-to-head encounter, and it lived up to expectations as a baseline grinder’s delight, influenced by Bengaluru’s 952-meter altitude, which amplified kick serves and ball bounce.
Martinez, fresh off a solid preseason and seeking early-season matches over higher-tier events, started aggressively with heavy forehands and drop shots. Skatov, a stoic 24-year-old known for his quick feet and anticipation, countered with wide-out serves and inside-out forehands, forcing long rallies. The first set saw no breaks, stretching over an hour before a tie-break. Tied at 3-3 in the breaker, a brief rain delay interrupted play, but Martinez returned sharper, clinching the set 7-6 after Skatov saved three set points.
The second set opened with Martinez breaking early, injecting pace and varying his slices to keep Skatov on the defensive. Despite Skatov’s valiant scrambling—turning defense into offense with extra balls in rallies—unforced errors on his forehand and backhand proved costly. Martinez sealed the match 6-3 with a backhand setup and solid serving on triple match points.
Commentators highlighted Martinez’s consistency and “quality of errors,” noting how top players like him elevate their game under pressure. “What an incredible performance… both players giving an exceptional match to the crowd,” one analyst remarked. Skatov was praised for his resilience, with experts predicting a top-150 ranking if he maintains consistency.
Martinez pocketed $33,650 and 125 points, boosting his early-season form, while Skatov earned $19,700 and 64 points. The Spaniard credited his composure, saying he focused on raising his level when needed.
Behind the Scenes: Tournament Highlights and Insights
The Bengaluru Open 2026 wasn’t just about the finals; it was a celebration of tennis in India. Special guests like Rohan Bopanna (former world No. 1) graced the stands, sharing stories of his own comebacks and inspiring the next generation. Commentary delved into player routines—early arrivals, light meals, and mental zoning—to handle pressure and late matches. Discussions on adapting to conditions, like using body serves in humidity or avoiding backhand down-the-line errors on high nets, offered valuable lessons for aspiring players.
Sponsors including Dafa News (title), PWR House Academy, and Bisleri ensured a world-class event, with calls for more patronage to grow tennis in Bangalore. The crowd’s energy, combined with the stadium’s electric atmosphere, made it a memorable edition.
Looking Ahead
As the curtains fall on this Challenger event, Martinez’s win positions him strongly for the ATP circuit, while Skatov, Barrientos, Kittay, Reymond, and Sanchez head home with boosted confidence. The Bengaluru Open continues to prove why it’s a staple on the calendar—blending international talent with local flavor. Stay tuned for more tennis action as the 2026 season heats up!
