Mumbai, Feb 2 (PTI) – Maaya Rajeshwaran showcased remarkable resilience to edge past Jessica Failla in a gripping three-set encounter at the L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125 Series qualifiers on Sunday. Meanwhile, the tournament witnessed an unexpected twist as second-seed Petra Marcinko retired mid-match, sending shockwaves through the event.
Rajeshwaran battled through a fiercely contested match, ultimately triumphing 7-6, 1-6, 6-4. The Indian star clinched the first set in a tense tie-break but faltered in the second as Failla found her rhythm. However, in a nail-biting decider, Rajeshwaran’s composure under pressure secured her a hard-fought victory.
Adding to the day’s drama, Croatia’s Marcinko—seeded second—was forced to retire while trailing 1-2 against Aleksandra Krunic. The reason for her withdrawal remains undisclosed, leaving fans and analysts speculating about her condition.
Elsewhere, Japan’s fourth seed Mei Yamaguchi put on a gutsy display to defeat Alevtina Ibragimova 4-6, 6-3, 7-6. After conceding the opening set, Yamaguchi staged an impressive comeback, forcing a third-set tie-break before sealing the victory in a match that stretched beyond two hours.
In another enthralling contest, Tina Smith emerged victorious over Daria Kudashova with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 scoreline. Despite dropping the second set, Smith’s aggressive gameplay and crucial service breaks in the final set ensured her progression to the next stage.
With the qualifiers wrapped up, the main draw kicks off on Monday. Germany’s Tatjana Maria will open the tournament against Croatia’s Aleksandra Krunic, while Czech Republic’s Sara Bejlek faces off against Canada’s Rebecca Marino. India’s Sahaja Yamalapalli will carry home hopes as she takes on Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee in an eagerly anticipated clash.
The L&T Mumbai Open promises high-voltage tennis action as top contenders battle for glory in this prestigious WTA 125 Series event.
