Ankita Raina Dominates Day 1 at Mumbai Open WTA Qualifiers

The other winners of the day were Kristina Sidorova, Kulikova Anastasia, Zuzzana Pawlikowska, Matsuda Misaki, Nicole Fossa Huergo, Peangtarn Plipuech and Yasmine Kabbaj, as per a press release from MSLTA.

The day's action began with Russia's emerging talent, Kristina Sidorova, who defeated 26-year-old Zeel Desai 6-2, 6-0 to advance to the next qualifying round. The 19-year-old played aggressively from start to finish as her cross-court shots never let Zeel Desai settle into the match.

Meanwhile, on Court 1, Finland's Kulikova Anastasia eased past Naoko Eto in dominant fashion, winning both sets 6-0. The hard-court specialist made the most of serves and posted a staggering Win on a 1st Serve percentage of 90%.

Fifteen-year-old local talent Parthsarthi Aru Mundhe put in a spirited showing in her Qualifier loss against the third seed Zuzzana Pawlikowska. Parthsarthi Aru Mundhe won a closely contested first set, however, the Polish right-hander grew into the game as it progressed and eventually won the remaining two sets comfortably to win the match 6-7, 6-2, 6-3.

Fifth seeded Matsuda Misaki faced India's Saumya Vig and put in a clinical performance that resulted in her winning 6-0, 6-1. The 27-year-old controlled the baseline from start to finish and picked the right moments to approach the net and upset Saumya's rhythm.

Argentinian right-hander Nicole Fossa Huergo cruised past Hiroko Kuwata and won in straight sets 6-2, 6-1. She inched closer to qualifying for the Main Draw after an ominous display that saw her control the pace of the game from start to finish.

Thai right-hander, Peangtarn Plipuech upset the fourth seeded Yaroslava Bartashevich in a tightly contested match that ended 6-2, 3-6, 6-2. The 33-year-old veteran took the first step to qualifying for the Main Draw.

Second seeded Yasmine Kabbaj defeated Sonal Patil on Centre Court in straight sets to win the match 6-0, 6-2.

Indian veteran player Ankita Raina was in top form as she defeated Maharashtra's Akanksha Nitture in straight sets. The scoreline of 6-2, 6-1 was representative of the nature of the action that unfolded as Raina utilised her cross-court shots and Tennis IQ to devastating effect.

- ANI