Indian Players Sweep Podium at ITF W15 Gurugram
In a remarkable display of dominance for Indian tennis, local players secured a clean sweep of all four trophies at the ITF W15 women’s world ranking tournament in Gurugram, with both the singles and doubles finals being all-Indian affairs. The event, hosted at The Tennis Project, with the current Indian BJK Cup Captain Vishaal Uppal as the Tournament Director, serves as a strong proof of the nation’s rising talent, showcasing that the future of Indian women’s tennis is not just promising, but is already here.
In the singles final, top-seeded Zeel Desai demonstrated her resilience by coming from behind to defeat fellow Indian Shruti Ahlawat. After a shaky start, Desai rallied back to win the title with a final score of 2-6, 6-1, 6-4. This hard-fought victory marks Desai’s first singles title of the season, a sweet reward for her determination and form.
The journey of the runner-up, 19-year-old wildcard Shruti Ahlawat, was equally compelling. Her remarkable run to the final included a crucial victory over the sixth seed, Vlada Mincheva, a performance that highlighted her immense potential and earned her valuable experience against top-level competition. Despite falling just short in the Final, Ahlawat’s strong showing at a tournament of this magnitude is a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
The doubles final also saw an all-Indian battle for the title. The experienced pair of Sravya Shivani and Pranjala Yadlapalli showcased their excellent chemistry and skill, securing a dominant 6-4, 6-0 victory over the debutant duo of Mahika Khanna and Sohini Mohanty.
The tournament was a breakthrough for the young doubles runners-up as well. Mahika Khanna and Sohini Mohanty, who have previously played in junior circuits, formed an effective partnership to reach their first professional final together on debut. Their strong performance included a significant upset victory in the quarterfinals over the second-seeded team of Carolann Delaunay and Paola Lopez, with a score of 7-6(6), 4-6, [10-6]. This impressive win under pressure showcases their potential as a formidable team for the future.
This remarkable clean sweep goes beyond a simple victory; it is a clear indicator of how home tournaments are transforming the landscape of Indian tennis. By providing a crucial platform on local soil, events like the ITF W15 Gurugram serve as a launchpad for talent, allowing Indian players to gain vital ranking points and invaluable experience.
