The Chennai Open International Women’s Tennis Championships 2025 had an unexpected highlight on WTA 250 when a fan moment during the final match caught everyone’s attention.
The match between Lanlana Tararudee of Thailand and top seed Zeynep Sonmez of Turkey ended at 12:19 AM after a tough three-set battle. As the match went deep into the night, a fan from the stands made the crowd turn their heads with a loud call, “Lana! Towel please!”
The fan ‘OG Towel Uncle of Chennai’, identified as Venkat, has been a long-time supporter of the Chennai Open. Known among regular attendees for his enthusiasm, Venkat has followed the tournament for several years. He is also part of a small group of tennis fans who travel long distances — over 500 kilometers — every year just to watch the Chennai Open.
During the tense final stages of Lanlana’s match, OG Towel Uncle of Chennai sudden cheer drew mixed reactions from the audience. Some in the crowd found it funny and laughed, while others were visibly irritated but didn’t express it openly. According to a few spectators who spoke to BiGG Sports News, the moment stood out because it broke the silence during an intense rally and caught even the player by surprise.
Lanlana, however, remained composed. She smiled briefly in acknowledgment and quickly regained focus to complete her win 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. The moment became one of the most talked-about highlights of the night.
Soon after the match, BiGG Sports News captured and released the video on Instagram, becoming the first outlet to break the story. The post was titled “OG Towel Uncle of Chennai”.
Venkat uncle, now nicknamed the “OG Towel Uncle of chennai,” has become a familiar name among the Chennai Open fans community. His spontaneous support and humor have made him a talking point at the tournament, where fans often remember his loud and energetic presence in the stands.
The “OG Towel Uncle” moment has become symbolic of how the Chennai Open is not just about international players but also about the fans who bring energy to the courts.
BiGG Sports News will feature a detailed follow-up tomorrow, sitting down with a few members of the loyal Chennai Open fan community who have supported the event for years. They will share how their passion for the tournament began, what keeps them coming back, and their experiences watching some of the best tennis action in India.
For now, the final match of Day 5 will be remembered not only for Lanlana Tararudee’s determined win but also for one unexpected shout from the stands — the moment that introduced the world to Chennai’s very own “OG Towel Uncle.”
