Thandi Clinches ITF W60 Evansville Title in Thrilling Fashion

By Sujoy Roy

Karman Kaur Thandi, the third seed, triumphed in a thrilling finale at the esteemed ITF W60 Evansville tournament in the USA, adding yet another remarkable achievement to her burgeoning career. The 25-year-old Indian tennis star showcased her prowess and determination as she secured the singles title, becoming the second Indian woman, after Sania Mirza, to claim a professional title on American soil.

In the gripping final, Karman faced tough competition from Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtsewa. The match turned into an intense battle lasting two hours and 45 minutes. However, Karman’s unwavering determination and strong game emerged victorious, with a hard[1]fought scoreline of 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, earning her the coveted $60,000 prize.

Interestingly, this final was a highly anticipated rematch of their previous encounter in the W60 Sumter final last month, where Karman had narrowly missed the title. Yet, in a testament to her adaptability and resilience, she turned the tables on her opponent, demonstrating her growth as a player.

Throughout the tournament, Karman displayed exceptional form, defeating formidable opponents on her path to glory. She showcased her dominance by overpowering Maria Fernanda Navarro of Mexico and Maribella Zamarippa of the United States in Rounds 1 and 2, respectively.

In the quarterfinals, Karman’s prowess was on full display as she convincingly defeated the wild card entrant from the USA, Allie Kiick, with an impressive 6-3, 6-3 victory in straight sets. The semi-finals posed another challenging encounter, but Karman exhibited composure and skill, securing a well-deserved win against McCartney Kessler of the United States with a score of 6-4, 7-5.

The victory at the ITF W60 Evansville tournament not only brought individual glory but also boosted Karman’s WTA ranking significantly, propelling her into the top 210 players. Moreover, her triumph secured a spot in the US Open qualifiers, a prestigious opportunity for any professional tennis player, showcasing her progress and potential on the international stage