Indian tennis legend and Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA) President Vijay Amritraj has expressed optimism about the return of the WTA 250 Chennai Open later this year, following positive discussions with Tamil Nadu’s Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna and officials from the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT).

The WTA 250 event has reportedly been allotted a slot in the first week of November, but the tournament’s return depends largely on financial support from the Tamil Nadu government. Speaking during the TNTA Annual Day celebrations, Amritraj revealed that he recently met the Sports Minister and was encouraged by the response he received.

“I had a very positive meeting with Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna. He seemed keen on hosting the event, and we are hopeful of receiving a favourable response from the government soon,” Amritraj said.

Government Support Crucial

The Chennai Open returned to the WTA calendar in 2022 and was staged successfully before losing its place on the calendar. With hosting costs continuing to rise, TNTA is seeking government backing to ensure the event’s revival.

According to Amritraj, the tournament operates on a partnership model, and government support is essential to make the event financially viable. Beyond tennis, he emphasized the wider benefits the tournament would bring to Tamil Nadu through tourism, international visibility, and economic activity.

“Sport and tourism go hand in hand. Events like these bring investment and global attention to the state,” he noted.

Chief Minister Vijay’s Interest Adds Momentum

Amritraj highlighted the encouraging response received from Tamil Nadu’s Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna and expressed confidence that the government, led by Chief Minister Vijay, recognizes the value of bringing a prestigious international tennis tournament back to Chennai.

According to Amritraj, the discussions have been positive, and he remains hopeful that the state government will support the return of the WTA 250 event. Such a move would not only strengthen Tamil Nadu’s sporting ecosystem but also enhance the state’s global visibility through sport and tourism.

“They seem keen on hosting it, and the meeting was quite positive,” Amritraj said, adding that he expects a response from the government in the coming weeks.

The 50-50 Partnership Model

Amritraj revealed that hosting a WTA 250 tournament in Chennai would require an investment of approximately ₹20 crore, underlining the need for strong support from both the government and private partners.

He explained that the event is being proposed under a 50-50 partnership model, with the Tamil Nadu government expected to contribute around ₹10 crore, while the remaining amount would be raised through sponsorships, commercial partnerships, and other tournament revenues.

ATP 250 Tournament a Future Possibility

While the immediate focus remains on securing the return of the WTA 250 event, Amritraj also spoke about the possibility of Chennai hosting an ATP 250 tournament in the future.

He pointed out that competition among Asian cities for ATP events has intensified significantly over the years. However, he believes Chennai’s rich tennis heritage, strong fan base, and proven ability to organize world-class events make it a strong candidate.

“Twenty-five years ago, major tournaments were spread across Asia. Today, there are very few left, and India should not be ignored. Ideally, we should have at least two events in the country so players can compete in back-to-back tournaments,” Amritraj said.

An ATP 250 event would mark a major milestone for Indian tennis, bringing top men’s players back to Chennai and further strengthening the city’s reputation as one of the country’s premier tennis destinations.

A Defining Moment for Chennai Tennis

With a decision on government support expected soon, the coming weeks could prove crucial for the future of international tennis in Chennai. If approved, the return of the WTA 250 Chennai Open could be the first step toward a broader vision.

For now, Vijay Amritraj remains hopeful that Chennai can reclaim its place on the global tennis map and continue its long-standing tradition of hosting elite international tennis events.