Ankita Raina Dominates Day 1 at Mumbai Open WTA 125K Qualifiers

The day's events kicked off with Russia's rising star, Kristina Sidorova, defeating 26-year-old Zeel Desai 6-2, 6-0 to move into the next qualifying round. The 19-year-old played assertively throughout, with her cross-court shots preventing Zeel Desai from finding any rhythm.

Meanwhile, on Court 1, Finland's Anastasia Kulikova comfortably defeated Naoko Eto, winning both sets 6-0. The hard-court expert effectively used her serve, achieving an impressive 90% first-serve win rate.

15-year-old local talent Parthsarthi Aru Mundhe delivered an energetic performance in her Qualifier against third seed Zuzzana Pawlikowska. She narrowly won the first set, but the Polish right-hander found her rhythm as the match went on and comfortably took the next two sets, resulting in a 6-7, 6-2, 6-3 defeat.

Fifth seed Matsuda Misaki competed against India's Saumya Vig and delivered a precise performance, winning 6-0, 6-1. The 27-year-old effectively dominated the baseline throughout the match, choosing opportune moments to move to the net and disrupt Saumya's rhythm.

Argentinian right-hander Nicole Fossa Huergo easily defeated Hiroko Kuwata with straight sets, 6-2, 6-1. She moved closer to qualifying for the Main Draw with a commanding performance that allowed her to dictate the match's tempo from start to finish.

Thai right-hander Peangtarn Plipuech defeated the fourth seed Yaroslava Bartashevich in a close match that finished 6-2, 3-6, 6-2. The 33-year-old veteran moved one step closer to qualifying for the Main Draw.

Yasmine Kabbaj, the second seed, won against Sonal Patil on Centre Court with a straight-sets victory of 6-0, 6-2.

Indian veteran Ankita Raina was in top form as she defeated Maharashtra's Akanksha Nitture in straight sets. The score of 6-2, 6-1 reflected the action, with Raina effectively using her cross-court shots and tennis IQ.

- IANS