Synopsis
Maria Tatjana, the former Wimbledon semifinalist and current World No. 73, is set to headline the Mumbai Open WTA Tour event. The tournament kicks off on February 1 with qualifying rounds, leading to the main draw starting on February 3. This year's event promises exciting competition and showcases talent from around the world.Key Takeaways
- Mumbai Open returns for its fourth edition.
- Maria Tatjana headlines the main draw.
- Event starts with qualifying rounds on February 1.
- Main draw kicks off on February 3.
- Final scheduled for February 9.
Mumbai, Jan 30 (NationPress) Former Wimbledon semifinalist and World No. 73 Maria Tatjana will take center stage in the main draw of the fourth edition of the Mumbai Open WTA Tour event, which was inaugurated at the iconic Cricket Club of India (CCI) on Thursday.
The WTA 125 tournament, organized by the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA), is set to kick off on February 1 with the qualifying rounds, while the main draw will start on February 3, culminating in the final scheduled for February 9.
A number of exceptionally talented players from around the world will compete for top honors, with the Indian players receiving wild cards for the Mumbai Open.
The main draw will be led by Tatjana Maria, currently ranked 73rd globally, who aims to secure her fourth singles title in her career. The right-handed player has previously achieved a career-high ranking of 42 and made it to the Wimbledon semifinal in 2022, becoming the sixth woman in the Open Era to do so after the age of 34. She has also triumphed at the Copa Colsanitas WTA 250 Event in Colombia on clay in both 2023 and 2024.
Defending champion Darja Semenistaja from Latvia and emerging young star Alexandra Eala from the Philippines, who has been selected by Rafael Nadal to train at his academy, are also in the lineup. Previous singles champions of the Mumbai Open include world No. 2 Sabalenka (2017) and Thailand's Luksika Kumkhum (2018).
In a joint statement prior to the Mumbai Open, OP Gupta, (IAS) Chairman of the Organizing Committee, expressed, “We are thrilled to return for another edition of the L&T Mumbai Open, and the Government of Maharashtra is eager to utilize this opportunity to foster more grassroots programs in tennis. High prize money events like the L&T Mumbai Open are vital for the progress of Indian tennis, and we aspire for this year to be the biggest and best yet.”
“The L&T Mumbai Open has a distinctive legacy and has continuously inspired hope in Indian tennis. We at L&T have always closely followed and supported Indian tennis, which boasts a rich history, and we are confident this edition will contribute another memorable chapter to this partnership,” said Anup Sahay, Head of Corporate Strategy and Special Initiatives, L&T.
Pravin Darade (IAS), Organizing Secretary, stated, “The fourth edition of the L&T Mumbai Open is poised to become a remarkable chapter in Indian tennis. Fans can expect to witness high-quality tennis, marking a significant moment for the fraternity in India. We are prepared for the upcoming week and are optimistic about the success of the Mumbai Open.”
The Mumbai Open Tennis Championships is entering its fourth year and will return to Mumbai after a six-year hiatus in 2024. Notably, Aryna Sabalenka, the 2024 Australian Open champion, won the 2017 edition of the Mumbai Open as a teenager, while Luksika Kumkhum secured the title in 2018. Latvia’s Darja Semeņistaja claimed the championship in 2024.