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Teen Sensation Lilli Tagger Stuns Defending Champ to Reach Mumbai Open Semis

Seventeen-year-old Austrian sensation Lilli Tagger staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the 2024 champion and second seed Darja Semenistaja in the Mumbai Open quarterfinals. Mananchaya Sawangkaew and Lanlana Tararudee also secured their spots in the semifinals with straight-set and comeback victories, respectively. The day featured intense matches, including Tararudee's three-set win over Leolia Jeanjean that lasted over two hours. The action sets up compelling semifinal clashes in both the singles and doubles draws at the MSLTA complex.

Key Points: Lilli Tagger Upsets Semenistaja at Mumbai Open WTA 125

  • Tagger's stunning comeback win
  • Semenistaja's title defense ends
  • Sawangkaew & Tararudee also advance
  • Thrilling three-set battles
2 min read

Teenage sensation Lilli Tagger knocks out former champion Darja Semenistaja to reach Mumbai Open semis

17-year-old Lilli Tagger defeats defending champion Darja Semenistaja in a thrilling three-set comeback to reach the Mumbai Open semifinals.

"The 17-year-old showcased why she's regarded as one of the most exciting prospects on the circuit. - Report"

Mumbai, February 6

17-year-old Lilli Tagger scripted an incredible comeback victory against 2024 edition champion and current second seed Darja Semenistaja in the quarterfinal of the 2026 Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series at the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association on Friday.

Meanwhile, Mananchaya Sawangkaew and Lanlana Tararudee also advanced to the semi-finals of the Singles draw, as per an MSLTA press release.

The day's action got underway with last edition's finalist, Mananchaya Sawangkaew, facing ninth seed Tatiana Prozorova on Centre Court. The former, who was also last season's runner-up, won the first set comfortably, as the 22-year-old Prozorova struggled to find her rhythm and committed multiple unforced errors. Despite showing some resolve and taking the lead in the second set, Prozorova struggled to convert crucial games and eventually fell short in straight sets, losing 6-1, 6-4.

Meanwhile, the highly anticipated match-up between third seed Leolia Jeanjean and fifth seed Lanlana Tararudee was played on Court 1. The World No. 129, Tararudee, fought back after losing a closely contested first set and ended up winning the next two sets comfortably in a match that lasted for 2 hours and 17 minutes. The Thailand player scripted a memorable comeback win, prevailing 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

In another engaging clash, Lilli Tagger faced her toughest test yet as she went up against 2024 edition champion, Darja Semenistaja on Centre Court. Tagger made an adjustment mid-game to wrestle back control after losing the first set. The 17-year-old showcased why she's regarded as one of the most exciting prospects on the circuit, playing more slice shots and negating Semenistaja's movement throughout. The Austrian ended up winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the semi-final.

Later in the day, Japan's Mei Yamaguchi will be in action against China's Fangran Tian in the last match of the Singles quarter final stage. In the Doubles, the first semifinal of the Doubles Main Draw will also take place as the duo of Nicole Fossa Huergo and Mananchaya Sawangkaew will go up against the pair of Hiroko Kuwata and Park So-hyun.

Results

Singles:

Mananchaya Sawangkaew (THA) bt Tatiana Prozorova: 6-1, 6-4.

Lanlana Tararudee (THA) bt Leolia Jeanjean (FRA): 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Lili Tagger (AUT) bt Darja Semenistaja (LAT): 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So happy for the Thai players, Mananchaya and Lanlana! They are playing so well. It's fantastic to have a WTA event back in India after so long. The crowd support must be amazing. Hope an Indian player can break through soon!
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, while the tournament is great, I wish the coverage focused a bit more on the development of Indian tennis. We host the event, but where are our players in the later stages? The LTA needs to invest more in grassroots programs.
M
Michael C
The tactical adjustment by Tagger mid-match was world-class. To change your game against a champion like Semenistaja takes guts. Brilliant tennis all around. Kudos to MSLTA for organizing a smooth event.
S
Shreya B
Amazing matches! The Tararudee vs Jeanjean clash sounded like a thriller. Over two hours of battle! 🤯 So nice to see international sports back in full swing in our country. Hope the finals are packed with fans!
K
Karthik V
Good to see a mix of young talent and experienced players. These WTA 125K events are crucial for player development. Hope Mumbai Open grows into a bigger tournament in the coming years. Jai Hind!

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