Indian Tennis Prodigies Shine at WTA Mumbai Open, Upsetting Top Seeds
In a stunning display at the WTA $125,000 L&T Mumbai Open, India’s rising tennis talents made headlines by defeating formidable opponents.
Sahaja Yamalapalli’s Triumph: Sahaja Yamalapalli, ranked 336, secured a major upset by defeating top seed Kayla Day (world No. 92) in a thrilling encounter.
Sahaja’s Remarkable Journey: Once in the 1000s, Sahaja’s journey includes American college tennis and training at the PBI Tennis Academy in Bengaluru. Her recent triumph builds on ITF successes.
Confidence and Belief: Sahaja, armed with a powerful forehand, gained confidence from the match, asserting, “I belong here.” She looks forward to more victories.
Vaishnavi Adkar’s Promising Display: At just 19, Vaishnavi Adkar showcased her skills, taking a set off a player ranked 500 places above. Her aggressive style reflects Serena Williams’s influence.
Vaishnavi’s Aspirations: Vaishnavi, eyeing a top 100 spot, expressed optimism about her game. Despite the loss, she learned valuable lessons and aims for higher rankings.
Shrivalli Bhamidipaty’s Rise: Ranked 520th, Shrivalli earned a main draw spot with impressive performances in qualifiers. Her upcoming match against Japan’s Nao Hibino promises a tough battle.
Shrivalli’s Evolution: Reigning national champion Shrivalli attributes her success to improved patience and rallying skills. Her powerful serve remains a key weapon.
India’s tennis future looks promising with players like Sahaja, Vaishnavi, and Shrivalli making waves at the WTA Mumbai Open. Their success marks a new era in Indian women’s tennis.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindustan Times