Indian Qualifiers Cause Upsets at L&T Mumbai Open Tennis Championships

In a tournament marked by upsets and surprises, Indian qualifiers continued to steal the spotlight at the L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series Tennis Championships. Following Sahaja Yamalapalli’s remarkable victory over top seed Kayla Day, another Indian, qualifier Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, made headlines by defeating second seed Nao Hibino in the first round.

Ranked No. 520 in the world, Bhamidipaty faced a daunting challenge against a top 100 player for the first time. However, displaying exceptional resilience, she bounced back from a set down to clinch a thrilling victory over the three-time WTA titlist Hibino. The 22-year-old’s remarkable performance extended her impressive run after winning two matches in qualifying to secure a spot in the main draw.

Meanwhile, in other matches, Asian Games mixed doubles gold medallist Rutuja Bhosale secured a straight-sets win over Thailand’s Peangtarn Plipuech, advancing to the second round along with Yamalapalli and Bhamidipaty. However, Indian No. 1 Ankita Raina suffered a defeat in her match against American eighth seed Katie Volynets.

In the doubles draw, Indian No. 1 Prarthana Thombare and her Dutch partner Arianne Hartono thrilled local fans by reaching the quarterfinals with an upset win over the fourth-seeded Thai duo Luksika Kumkhum and Peangtarn Plipuech.

Additionally, fourth seed Arina Rodionova continued her impressive form with a straight-sets victory, while lucky loser Camilia Rosatello seized the opportunity to advance after the withdrawal of third seed Tamara Zidansek. However, seventh seed Kimberly Birrel suffered an early exit after a grueling battle against Hungary’s Dalma Galfi.

As the tournament progresses, Indian qualifiers and players continue to shine, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the L&T Mumbai Open.