Chennai Open: Maaya Rajeshwaran scores big disappointment, Vaishnavi Adkar gets first win on tour

Indian tennis enjoyed a memorable day at the Chennai Open on Tuesday as two of its promising young players made impressive statements at the WTA 250 tournament. While Vaishnavi Adkar fought back from the brink to record her first win at the WTA Tour level, 17-year-old Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi pulled off a major upset by knocking out eighth seed Katarzyna Kawa.

Adkar beat Britain’s Jodie Burrage 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 after recovering from a 3-5 deficit in the deciding set. Maaya, meanwhile, showed tremendous composure to see off world No. 115 Kawa 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(5) in a contest that went down to the wire.

The results offered a significant boost to India’s campaign in the tournament, which is being played on home soil at the SDAT Tennis Stadium. Both players entered the main draw as wild cards and had tough tasks against more experienced opponents in the opening rounds.

For Adkar, the win marked a breakthrough moment as she steadily built her career on the international circuit. Maaya’s triumph was equally heartening as the teenager defeated a seeded opponent ranked significantly higher than her.

VAISHNAVI FIGHTS BACK TO SEAL MAIDEN WTA WTA

Vaishnavi Adkar registered her first win at the tour level. Courtesy: PTI

Pushed to the brink of defeat and battling the grueling humidity, Adkar produced a stirring display of guts and endurance to overcome Burrage in a contest that lasted more than two hours.

The 21-year-old from Pune got off to a nervous start against the experienced Briton, who has appeared in Grand Slam main draws and previously ranked in the world number one hundred. Burrage broke Adkar twice to win the opening set 6-3, putting the Indian under pressure.

But Adkar raised her level in the second set. She improved her returns, found more consistency from the baseline and broke Burrage twice to decide the match. The Indian also had to negotiate a marathon third game in the second set, saving four break points and surviving six deuces to hold serve.

An early break in the deciding set looked to have put Adkar in control, but Burrage fought back to win two consecutive service games from the Indian to move 5-3 ahead. With the Briton in sight, Adkar showed remarkable resilience.

She got back to 4-5 in the 11th game before putting Burrage under pressure. A cleverly executed drop shot helped her reach deuce before a forehand winner earned her a break point. Burrage then sent a long forehand to give Adkar the advantage.

The Indian showed no nerves when serving for the match, closing it out at love to complete a memorable 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory.

Former Indian doubles star Rohan Bopanna, who trains at the academy where Adkar trains, was in her corner throughout the competition urging her to keep up the pressure.

“Let her play every ball, hang on, hang on,” Bopanna was heard telling the Indian as the match continued.

Adkar will next face seventh seed Anastasia Zakharova of Russia, who defeated Polina Iatchenko 7-6(3), 6-1 in her opening round match.

MAAYA STUNS WORLD NO.115 IN THREE-SET THRILLER

Maaya Rajeshwaran defeated world number 115 Katarzyna Kawa. Courtesy: PTI

Maaya produced one of the best results of the day, defeating Polka Kawa in a thrilling three-set encounter to advance to the second round.

The 17-year-old entered the tournament ranked No. 669, while Kawa was world No. 115 and seeded eighth. The ranking difference made the Indian an underdog, but she was able to secure a 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(5) victory.

Maaya started confidently, taking the opening set 6-4. She was able to put Kawa’s serve under pressure and converted two break opportunities to create an advantage. The Indian also showed composure to serve out the set, saving a break point before sealing it.

Kawa responded in the second set, taking her level to 6-2 and forcing a decider. The Polish player looked to use her experience to regain control, but Maaya stayed in the contest and refused to be derailed.

The third set turned out to be an even battle, with neither player able to gain a decisive advantage. Maaya held her nerve in the tie-break, winning it 7-5 to complete a stunning upset and earn a place in the last 16.

The teenager will next face Poland’s Weronika Falkowska, who defeated Czech Linda Fruhvirtová 7:6(3), 6:4 to advance.

With Adkar and Maaya both coming through, the home crowd will have plenty to cheer about as India’s challenge gathers steam in Chennai.

– The end