“İstanbul Challenger–TED Open”, in players words “the most esteemed Challenger in the world”. Certainly the most recognised international brand in Turkish tennis.

2026, is the 78th event. Remarkably, it is one of the three longest-running tennis tournaments in the world. This year’s event also carries special significance as TED Sports Club celebrates another milestone in its distinguished history : TED CLUB commemorates its 90th anniversary.

The “İstanbul Challenger–TED Open” is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the ATP Challenger Tour, which is part of the international circuit of men’s professional tennis. The tournament was the receiver of many selected prizes in its history which are stipulated below. This year it will be held on TED courts from 05 to 13 September.

STARS OF WORLD TENNIS
“TED Open” was included in the ATP Challenger Series in 1979 with a prize purse of $15,000. “TED Open” has given tennis fans in Istanbul the opportunity to watch countless stars of world tennis over the years : Starting from the past Drysdale, Hewitt, Emerson, Nastase, Triac, Dowdeswell, Muster, Chesnokov, Metreveli, Zverev Sr., Volkov, Borisov, Ivanisevic, Bruguera, Lajovic, Troicki, Berrettini, Khachanov, Medjedovic, Ivanisevic, Gasquet, Soderling, Berdych, Davydenko, Humbert, Tsitsipas, Mannarino, Pioline, Albot, Dzcumhur and Santoro have all passed through the courts of the TED Club.

In the world of tennis, the “TED Open” has earned a reputation as “The tournament where stars are born !”

With 70 professional players ranked inside the world’s Top 500, TED Open also serves as an important stepping stone for Turkish players trying to climb the international rankings and gain valuable experience, seeking for stardom.

TWO PRESTIGIOUS ATP AWARDS
The international success of the “İstanbul Challenger–TED Open” is not only rooted in its long and distinguished history. In 2003, it earned Türkiye an unprecedented international sporting distinction when the ATP selected it as the “World’s Best Tournament” among 129 Challenger events held across 49 countries. The award was presented to then Tournament Director Bekir Emre by tennis legend Roger Federer.

Having added the name of its host city to become the “İstanbul Challenger–TED Open”, the tournament was also honored as one of the world’s longest-running Challenger events. ATP President Andrea Gaudenzi presented the award to TED President Prof. Dr. Mehmet Tınaz at London’s O2 Arena.

FOUR TENNIS LEGENDS ON THE TED COURTS
The tournament will not only feature professional competition but will also welcome four legends of world tennis. Two French and two Dutch tennis greats will take to the TED courts.

Richard Krajicek (Netherlands): In 1996, he defeated world No. 1 Pete Sampras at Wimbledon with his powerful serve and outstanding net play before going on to become Wimbledon champion. During his career, he won 17 singles and 3 doubles titles and reached a career-high ranking of World No. 4.

Jacco Eltingh (Netherlands): One of the most successful doubles players in tennis history, Eltingh made his mark on the doubles game of the 1990s through his celebrated partnership with Paul Haarhuis. A multiple Grand Slam champion and former World No. 1 in doubles, he was particularly renowned for his exceptional net play. Today, he continues to pass on his knowledge and experience to a new generation of players.

Fabrice Santoro (France): A true “magician” of the game! Almost every Fabrice Santoro match was an event in itself. With his unconventional style, two-handed shots from both sides, remarkable creativity and ability to produce unexpected solutions on court, Santoro is regarded as one of the most unique players in tennis history. He won 6 ATP singles titles and 24 doubles titles during his career and reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 17. In doubles, he climbed as high as World No. 6. He remains one of the unforgettable characters of the sport.

Cédric Pioline (France): One of the outstanding French players of his generation, Pioline is best remembered for his achievements at the Grand Slam tournaments. He reached a career-high ranking of World No. 5 and contested two Grand Slam singles finals: the 1993 US Open and Wimbledon in 1997. He also reached the semi-finals of the French Open in 1998. His consistency, sportsmanship and warm personality both on and off the court made him a firm favourite with tennis fans.

These four legends will provide spectators with an unforgettable tennis spectacle in an exhibition match ahead of the final on Sunday, 13 September. Before taking to the court themselves, they will also hold a tennis clinic with TED’s young stars.

A TRADITION FOR TURKISH TENNIS, A STEPPING STONE FOR THE FUTURE
The “İstanbul Challenger–TED Open” is more than a professional tennis tournament. It is also one of the cornerstones of TED’s long-term vision for the development of Turkish tennis.

Across the week, the tournament will stage a total of 74 matches, including singles and doubles qualifying rounds and main-draw matches.

Each year, approximately 4,000 tennis balls, 8,000 bottles of water and nearly 1,000 towels are used during the “İstanbul Challenger–TED Open”.

At the 2025 final, the stands of TED Sports Club welcomed 4,382 tennis fans, while the final also provided memorable moments for sports fans watching from home.

THE 78th EDITION IN TED’S ANNIVERSARY YEAR !
TED Sports Club continues to carry the 78-edition legacy of the “İstanbul Challenger–TED Open” into the future.

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to bringing this extraordinary tournament to the present day — above all, its creator and TED’s unforgettable president, Prof. Dr. Behbut Cevanşir, as well as all the athletes, administrators, staff members, volunteers, sponsors and business partners who have contributed to the organization throughout its history.

Supported by leading brands and organizations from a wide range of sectors — including QNB, HDI İnsurence, Hilton Istanbul Maslak, MINI (Cooper), Medicana, Starbucks, Saka Su, Plan A, Mekra, Neo Portföy, the Turkish Tennis Federation (TTF) and the ATP — the “İstanbul Challenger–TED Open” will once again bring the world of tennis together in Istanbul this year.