Bengaluru, May 8: Promising Karnataka youngster Kriish Tyagi and Dev Javia have been awarded main draw wild cards for the first week of the ATP Bengaluru Challenger event to be held from May 10 to 14 at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium. The third and final main draw wild card will be announced on the morrow.

The qualifying draw wild cards have been awarded to Karnataka players Aradhya Kshitij and Gandharva Gourav Kothapal.

Kriish Tyagi, one of India’s brightest junior prospects, has been steadily making a mark on the international junior circuit. The Bengaluru-based player climbed to a career-high ITF junior ranking of No. 51 after winning the J200 title in Fergana and a J100 event in Zimbabwe in 2024. The 17-year-old is currently training and competing in the United States collegiate circuit, gaining valuable exposure against high-level opposition while continuing his transition into the professional game.

“This is a great opportunity for me to compete against experienced professional players at home. The Challenger circuit is extremely competitive and I am looking forward to testing myself at this level. Playing in Bengaluru makes it even more special,” said Kriish Tyagi who is pursuing his graduation in Business and Finance at Texas A & M University in the US. “I am thankful to KSLTA for giving me this opportunity. I will try and do my best,” said Kriish who is yet to recover from the jetlag after having reached the City on Friday afternoon.

The qualifying draw wild cards have been awarded to Karnataka players Aradhya Kshitij and Gandharva Gourav Kothapal.

Aradhya Kshitij has enjoyed a breakthrough junior season, highlighted by his impressive ITF J200 title triumph in Kolkata earlier this year where he fought back from a set down in both the semifinal and final. The Bengaluru player has also won multiple ITF junior titles and is regarded as one of Karnataka’s rising stars.

“We are delighted to award the main draw wild cards to Kriish Tyagi and Dev Javia. Kriish has shown tremendous promise through his performances on the international junior circuit and has been gaining valuable experience training and competing in the United States. Dev too has consistently performed on the domestic and international circuit. Opportunities like these are important for Indian players to gain exposure and confidence at a higher level,” said Sunil Yajaman, Tournament Director.

The ATP Bengaluru Challenger main draw for the first week will comprise 32 players, including 21 direct acceptances, three wild cards, six qualifiers and two special exempts, promising a highly competitive field for the season-opening week in Bengaluru.