Chennai Open 2026
What’s at stake.
The 2026 Chennai Open brings professional women’s tennis to the outdoor hard courts of the SDAT Tennis Stadium in Chennai. Running from November 2 to 8, the WTA 250 tournament offers players an opportunity to pursue a title, collect ranking points and secure valuable earnings as the season approaches its conclusion.
This is the third edition staged under the Chennai Open name, following tournaments in 2022 and 2025. With a singles field of 32 players and a doubles draw of 16 teams, the event combines individual ambition with the quick reactions and coordinated movement that make doubles so entertaining. [1]
Singles prize money: the climb to the title
According to the supplied prize breakdown, the singles champion receives $37,390, while the finalist earns $22,125. That creates a difference of $15,265 between winning the final and finishing second, underlining the financial significance of the tournament’s last match.
The rewards extend throughout the draw. Semifinalists receive $12,331, quarterfinalists take home $7,025, and players exiting in the second round earn $4,285. A first round appearance carries $3,065 in the supplied schedule. Qualifying payments are listed at $2,260 for Q2 and $1,460 for Q1, recognising the competitive journey before the main draw.
| Result | USD ($) | GBP (£) | EUR (€) | vs 2025* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winner | $37,390 | £28,051 | €33,546 | +3.00% |
| Runner-up | $22,125 | £16,599 | €19,851 | +2.98% |
| Semifinal | $12,331 | £9,251 | €11,063 | +3.02% |
| Quarterfinal | $7,025 | £5,270 | €6,303 | +3.08% |
| Round 2 | $4,285 | £3,215 | €3,845 | +3.00% |
| Round 1 | $3,065 | £2,299 | €2,750 | +3.03% |
| Q2 | $2,260 | £1,695 | €2,028 | +2.73% |
| Q1 | $1,460 | £1,095 | €1,310 | +2.82% |
Doubles rewards, shared success
In doubles, the winning partnership collects $13,600, with $7,650 awarded to the runners-up. Semifinal teams receive $4,390, quarterfinalists earn $2,620, and pairs leaving in the opening round receive $2,020. These figures are per team, rather than per player, an important distinction when comparing them with singles earnings.
An equal split of the championship payment would give each doubles winner $6,800 before any applicable deductions. The team format makes communication and complementary skills essential: a strong return, a decisive volley or a well-timed interception can transform a close match and move a partnership into the next prize bracket.
| Result | USD ($) | GBP (£) | EUR (€) | vs 2025* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winner | $13,600 | £10,203 | €12,202 | +3.03% |
| Runner-up | $7,650 | £5,739 | €6,864 | +2.96% |
| Semifinal | $4,390 | £3,293 | €3,939 | +3.05% |
| Quarterfinal | $2,620 | £1,966 | €2,351 | +3.15% |
| Round 1 | $2,020 | £1,515 | €1,812 | +3.06% |
Reading the numbers
The tables include US dollars alongside approximate British pound and euro equivalents. Dollar amounts provide the primary reference; converted values offer a convenient comparison for international readers. Exchange rates fluctuate, so the displayed GBP and EUR amounts should not be treated as guaranteed payments in those currencies.
The supplied year-on-year comparisons indicate increases close to three percent across most rounds. These percentages describe individual payouts, rather than necessarily reflecting the change in the tournament’s overall financial commitment. Readers should also distinguish advertised prize money from the amount a player ultimately retains after expenses and deductions.
Use the tables as a round-by-round reference when following the draw. The gap between stages helps explain why an early victory can matter financially, even for players who never reach the final. Keeping singles payments and team payments separate also makes comparisons clearer, especially when assessing the rewards available to doubles specialists.
A chapter closes in Chennai
Beyond the payouts, this edition carries added significance. Reporting indicates that the tournament licence will move to Manila in 2027, amid growing interest in Filipino star Alexandra Eala. The WTA has announced a new Manila WTA 250 event for that season. [2] [3]
For Chennai’s supporters, the 2026 competition therefore offers another chance to celebrate elite women’s tennis, appreciate emerging talent and follow the financial stakes behind every round.
Sources & data notes
- WTA: Chennai Open 2026 tournament overview — dates, surface, venue and draw sizes.
- The New Indian Express, October 20, 2026 — reported relocation to Manila.
- WTA: 2027 calendar announcement — new Manila WTA 250 event.
- Round-by-round figures, currency equivalents and percentage changes: supplied editorial data. These tables are not a live results or exchange-rate feed.