Teenage sensation Maaya Rajeshwaran returns to WTA 125 L&T Mumbai Open
Mumbai, February 1, 2026 – The spotlight returns to the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) as 16-year-old tennis prodigy Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi prepares for her highly anticipated return to the L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series.
Following a historic breakout season, the Indian teenager has been awarded a Wild Card entry for the Main Draw, which is set to take place from February 2nd to 8th, 2026.
A Look Back: The 2025 Breakout Campaign
Maaya became the talk of the tennis world during the 2025 edition of the Mumbai Open. Entering as an underdog, she stunned a string of higher-ranked international veterans, battling through the qualifiers to reach the Main Draw semi-finals. Her fairytale run was eventually halted by the tournament’s eventual champion, Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann.
Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Maaya shared:
“The 2025 Mumbai Open was one of my breakthrough tournaments. It was one of the first times I played back-to-back tournaments regularly, which helped me understand workload management better.”
The Road Ahead: Facing the Fifth Seed
The 2026 draw has set up a thrilling opening-round clash for the local favorite. Maaya is scheduled to face Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee, the tournament’s fifth seed. Despite the tough draw, Maaya remains focused on her internal growth rather than the ranking of her opponent.
Key Match Details:
- Event: L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series
- Opening Round: Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi vs. Lanlana Tararudee (5)
- Venue: MSLTA, Mumbai
- Dates: February 2–8, 2026
“My preparation pretty much remains the same against any opponent,” Maaya noted. “I’m at a stage in my career where I want to improve my skills and try to play as many high-intensity matches as possible.”
Managing Expectations: Pressure vs. Privilege
With her newfound fame comes the weight of expectation from a home crowd eager to see an Indian champion. However, the teenager displays a level of maturity well beyond her years.
“I don’t consider it as pressure. It’s a privilege and an honour to be in my position where I get to represent my country,” she said.
Maaya also extended her gratitude to the MSLTA, specifically President Mr. Prashant Sutar and Secretary Mr. Sunder Iyer, for their continued support in fostering local talent and providing the Wild Card opportunity.
The Legacy of the Mumbai Open
Now in its fifth year, the L&T Mumbai Open has a reputation for showcasing future world leaders in tennis. Notable past champions include:
| Year | Champion | Notable Achievement |
| 2017 | Aryna Sabalenka | 2024 Australian Open Champion |
| 2018 | Luksika Kumkhum | Thai Tennis Legend |
| 2024 | Darja Semeņistaja | Latvian Rising Star |
| 2025 | Jil Teichmann | Swiss WTA Standout |
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As the 2026 edition begins, all eyes will be on whether Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi can follow in the footsteps of Sabalenka and use this platform to catapult herself into the upper echelons of the WTA rankings.
