Ankita Raina has etched her name in Indian tennis history as the country’s number one female player. Remarkably, she stands alone as the only Indian woman to compete in every Grand Slam tournament – Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.
Her journey began on the red clay courts of Gujarat, where she honed her skills from a young age. Raina’s breakthrough came in 2017 when she clinched the WTA 125K title in Nanjing, becoming the first Indian woman to win a tournament at that level. This victory skyrocketed her rankings and opened doors to the global stage.
What sets Raina apart is her consistency across surfaces. From the hard courts of Melbourne to the grass of London, she has represented India with grit and determination. In doubles, partnering with compatriots like Pranjala Yadlapalli and Karman Kaur Thandi, she reached notable highs, including a career-best doubles ranking of No. 152.
Beyond the slams, Raina’s trophy cabinet boasts multiple ITF titles and Asian Games medals. Her 2019 US Open main draw appearance – as the first Indian woman since 2005 – symbolized a new era for Indian tennis. Off the court, she inspires young girls through academies and clinics, proving that perseverance pays off.
As Raina continues to compete at 31, her legacy as India’s tennis trailblazer remains unchallenged. With eyes on Olympic qualification and more WTA milestones, she embodies the fighting spirit of Indian sport.