Synopsis
The fourth edition of the Mumbai Open will feature talented players from around the world. Organized by MSLTA at CCI, the tournament runs from February 1 to February 9, showcasing top contenders like Tatjana Maria and Darja Semenistaja. The event promises an exciting week of tennis in Mumbai, attracting fans and players alike.Key Takeaways
- Fourth edition of Mumbai Open organized by MSLTA
- Event held at Cricket Club of India from February 1 to February 9
- Top players include Tatjana Maria and Darja Semenistaja
- Exciting matches anticipated with a mix of experienced and upcoming talents
- Fans can expect thrilling tennis action
Mumbai, Jan 21 (NationPress) The promising and emerging talents from around the world are set to compete in the fourth edition of the Mumbai Open, organized by the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) at the Cricket Club of India (CCI).
The tournament will kick off on February 1 with the qualifying rounds, followed by the main draw beginning on February 3 and concluding with the finals on February 9 at the CCI.
Among the prominent players participating in the WTA 125 event is Tatjana Maria, currently ranked 89 in the world, who aims to secure her fourth singles title. The right-handed player achieved a career-high ranking of 42 after reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2022, becoming the sixth female player in the Open Era over 34 to do so. She also clinched the Copa Colsanitas WTA 250 titles in 2023 and 2024 in Colombia.
Joining her is Rebecca Marino from Canada, ranked 98, who previously attained her highest WTA singles ranking of 38 in 2011. She will be striving for her second title after winning the Dow Tennis Classic in November 2024 on hard courts.
Spain’s Nuria Parrizas-Diaz (World Rank 104) has reached as high as 45 in her career and has three WTA Challenger titles. After recovering from a severe shoulder injury in 2016, she began this year strongly by reaching the semi-finals of the WTA 125 Canberra International and aims to continue her success in Mumbai.
The 2024 Mumbai Open champion, Latvian Darja Semenistaja, currently ranked 120, will return to defend her title after a closely contested victory against Storm Hunter with scores of 5–7, 7-6 (8-6), 6–2. Harriet Dart (World Rank 113), a former Wimbledon mixed doubles finalist, is also familiar with the Mumbai courts and is eager to win her first WTA 125 title.
Among the upcoming stars is Alexandra Eala, a 19-year-old from the Philippines trained at Rafael Nadal's academy. Ranked 138, Alexandra is the highest-ranked Filipino player and has one singles and two doubles Junior Grand Slam titles. After an early exit at the Australian Open, she looks to rebound at the L&T Mumbai Open.
Also competing is Petra Marcinko, a former World No. 1 Junior from Croatia, along with Jil Teichmann, ranked 133, who has two singles and two doubles WTA Tour titles. Additionally, former World No. 1 in doubles, Kristina Mladenovic, who was ranked 10 in singles at her peak, will aim to improve her current ranking of 215.
Sanjay Khandare and Pravin Darade, both IAS officers and core members of the organizing committee, expressed excitement for an exhilarating week of tennis in Mumbai.
"We are thrilled to welcome the L&T Mumbai Open for the fourth time. Following three remarkable editions, we anticipate spectacular matches throughout the week.
"Mumbai is known as the city of dreams, with fans creating a special atmosphere for players, and we expect more of the same this season. The CCI courts have hosted many top names, and we believe this year will be equally eventful," they stated.
The Mumbai Open returned in 2024 after a six-year hiatus, featuring thrilling matches last year. The outdoor hard-court tournament was won by Darja Semenistaja, while the doubles title went to Dalila Jakupovic and Sabrina Santamaria.
This marks the fourth edition of the Mumbai Open, with previous singles champions including world No. 2 Sabalenka (2017) and Luksika Kumkhum from Thailand (2018).
