The ITF W35 is set to be hosted in Kalaburagi from March 1 to 8, 2026, at the Chandrashekar Patil Stadium. This also marks the debut for the host city at the W35 level. The international event is part of the ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour with a prize pool of USD 30,000 and governed by the International Tennis Federation.
The tournament features a 32-player singles main draw and the other 32-player qualifying event that will begin on March 1. The event also involves a 16-team contingent for the doubles draw. The main draw matches will begin on March 3. The W35 category tennis event will allow players to move ahead and compete in major tournaments like the WTA Tour.
The list of players competing in the event comes from across 11 countries. Thailand’s Achisa Chanta and the Netherlands’ Jasmijn Gimbrere lead the international contingent. Meanwhile, Vaishnavi Adkar will represent India. Her significant rise to No. 2 after qualifying in the final match of the ITF W100 singles event in Bengaluru makes her a strong contender for the nation. Her victory made her the first Indian woman since 2009 to win the match of that event.
Adkar is, however, not alone. She will also be joined by players like Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty, Ankita Raina, Zeel Desai, Akanksha Dileep Nitture, Shruti Ahlawat and Sonal Patil in the singles main draw.
Kalaburagi, the host city of this event, has earlier staged lower-tier ITF women’s events. This time, the city is doing an upgrade by hosting an international event aimed at developing India’s reach in women’s global events. Meanwhile, Karnataka has been host to several international competitions in recent times. The list included events like the Davis Cup Qualifiers and the Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs.
India’s No. 2 Adkar had recently finished her campaign at the ITF W100 Bengaluru as runner-up. The Indian lost the finals match to World No. 124 Hanne Vandewinkel by sets of 0-6, 1-6. Despite the win, the 21-year-old’s participation at the ITF women’s singles final holds significance as she is the first Indian after Sania Mirza to play in the event. Quite notably, she also ended India’s 46-year medal drought by winning a bronze medal at the World University Games and a national championship title.
