MUMBAI – The Mumbai Open WTA 125 series kicked off with high drama on Monday as several top players secured their spots in the next round at the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association courts. Leading the charge were Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew, France’s Liyolia Jeanjean, and a trio of Japanese stars: Mai Hontama, Misaki Matsuda, Miho Kuramochi, and Mei Yamaguchi.
The day started strong with 21-year-old Mai Hontama dominating Uzbekistan’s Elevtina Ibrahimova in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4. Despite a fierce comeback attempt by Ibrahimova in the second set, Hontama held her nerve to clinch the victory and set up an exciting Round of 16 matchup.
Last season’s runner-up, Mananchaya Sawangkaew, lived up to her billing by dismantling Slovakia’s Victoria Morvayova 6-2, 6-1. The Thai ace, who recently faced Emma Raducanu at the Australian Open, showcased her prowess as one of Asia’s rising tennis sensations, cruising into the pre-quarterfinals with ease.
In a matchup featuring India’s experienced Ankita Raina, who qualified for the main draw after Lulu Sun’s withdrawal due to illness, Japan’s Misaki Matsuda proved too strong. The 27-year-old prevailed 6-4, 6-0, sending Raina packing in straight sets.
Mei Yamaguchi, 26, fought back from a first-set loss against Polina Iatcenko, enduring a grueling 2-hour-14-minute battle to win 5-7, 6-3, 6-3. Her resilience highlighted the depth of Japanese talent on display.
France’s Liyolia Jeanjean, who stunned former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova at the 2022 French Open, continued her giant-killing form with a 6-2, 6-0 rout of India’s Vaidehi over slightly more than an hour. The match underscored Jeanjean’s dominance on hard courts.
Wrapping up the day’s action, Miho Kuramochi overcame Argentina’s Nicole Fossa Huergo 6-4, 6-3 in 1 hour and 31 minutes, ensuring a strong Japanese presence in the draw. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters in this prestigious WTA 125 event.