The Mumbai Open WTA 125 Series, hosted at the iconic Cricket Club of India, marks a special return for India’s seasoned tennis star Ankita Raina. In her opening match, Ankita showcased her experience and skill, defeating fellow Indian Vaishnavi Adkar 6-2, 6-2 to book her spot in the Round of 16.
Key Highlights:
Ankita Raina Reaches Round of 16:
The former India No. 1 is thrilled to be playing at the Mumbai Open once again. “I’m glad to be back in Mumbai to play at the Mumbai Open,” Raina shared after her victory. “Indian players get a fantastic opportunity to compete against some of the world’s top players in this tournament.”
Her next challenge is Rebecca Marino, the second seed from Canada. Despite not having played against Marino in an official match before, Raina is confident.
“I haven’t played her before, but we have practiced together occasionally,” Raina said. “I believe I got off to a good start today and knew that Vaishnavi is also an aggressive player. I’m glad to have this opportunity because I know what to expect.”
Collaboration with Harsh Mankad:
Ankita Raina also provided insight into her partnership with Harsh Mankad, a former Davis Cup player and ATP professional. Mankad is currently helping her as a coach, bringing valuable experience and perspective to her game.
“He’s assisting me because he has insight into this league. We have a new experiment underway, but we’ll see how it turns out. I appreciate the encouragement,” Raina explained.
Mankad, who is based in the United States, has helped Raina make strategic adjustments as she continues her journey on the WTA circuit.
Ankita Raina Reflects on Her Career:
As a player with over a decade of experience, Ankita Raina understands the ups and downs of professional tennis. She emphasized the importance of continuous self-improvement.
“I think I’ve been in that position for quite some time now, since 10-11 years. I still have the same feelings as I did back then. I would tell the up-and-coming players that I am my own worst enemy. You must focus on whether you have improved from yesterday. At the end of the day, you want to be at the Grand Slams.”
Mumbai Open: A Prestigious Tournament Returns
The Mumbai Open Tennis Championship made its return in 2024 after a six-year hiatus. This year marks the fourth edition of the tournament, giving Indian players a valuable platform to compete with international talent.
The tournament’s previous champions include Luksika Kumkhum of Thailand, who won in 2018, and Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning 2024 Australian Open champion, who lifted the trophy as a teenager in 2017. In 2024, Darja Semeņistaja of Latvia claimed the title.
Live Coverage: Fans can watch the action live on MSLTA, Prasar Bharati Sports, the MSLTA website, and Sportzworkz YouTube channels.
Ankita Raina’s solid start at the Mumbai Open is a testament to her dedication and experience on the circuit. As she prepares to face a tough opponent in Rebecca Marino, fans will be eager to see how far the Indian star can go in this prestigious tournament.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Mumbai Open and follow the live coverage on multiple platforms!
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