WTA Mumbai Open Returns, Showcasing India’s Tennis Talent

By – Sujoy Roy

The excitement mounts as the WTA Mumbai Open, a 125K Series event, makes its highly anticipated return after a six-year hiatus. From February 5 to 11, the Cricket Club of India’s hard courts will host this prestigious tournament, providing a platform for India’s top-ranked women players to shine on the international stage.

Among the participants are five Indian women who have earned their spots in the singles main draw. Led by Ankita Raina, the country’s top ranked player, the lineup includes Rutuja Bhosale, Vaishnavi Adkar, Sahaja Yamalapalli, and Shrivalli Rashmika Bhamidipaty. While Raina, Bhosale, Adkar, and Yamalapalli secured their positions through wild card entries, Bhamidipaty fought her way into the main draw after winning two qualifying rounds.

The return of the WTA Mumbai Open holds special significance for Indian tennis, serving as a platform for both established players and rising stars to showcase their skills. It was on this very stage in 2017 that a young Aryna Sabalenka announced her arrival by clinching the title at just 18 years old, inspiring aspiring players worldwide.

Organized by the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) and the Cricket Club of India (CCI), with support from sponsors and the Maharashtra Government, the event aims to reignite the passion for professional tennis in India. Beyond providing a stage for competition, the Mumbai Open seeks to foster the growth of tennis talent in the country.

The participation of promising talents like Vaishnavi Adkar, Sahaja Yamalapalli, and Shrivalli Rashmika Bhamidipaty, alongside seasoned campaigners like Ankita Raina and Rutuja Bhosale, underscores the depth of talent in Indian women’s tennis. Their presence in the main draw reflects the progress made by Indian tennis in recent years and signals a bright future for the sport in the country.