Indian Women Shine on the ITF Circuit: Ankita, Rutuja, Maaya, and Vaidehi Progress

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Indian women’s tennis had a productive week on the international circuit, with impressive results at multiple ITF circuit events across Europe and Asia.

Led by seasoned campaigners Ankita Raina and Rutuja Bhosale and supported by the rising stars Maaya Rajeshwaran and Vaidehi Chaudhari, India saw representation deep into both singles and doubles draws a sign of growing depth in the women’s game.

Ankita Raina Reaches Singles QF and Doubles SF in Spain

At the ITF W35 event in Tauste, Spain, India’s top-ranked player Ankita Raina, seeded fourth and ranked #347 in the world, showcased her grit and experience to move into the singles quarterfinals. She overcame a stiff challenge from Spanish wildcard Noelia Zeballos Vaquero (ranked #830) in the round of 16.

Despite a sluggish start that saw her drop the first set 2-6, Ankita recalibrated her game, lifting her intensity in the second and third sets. With improved baseline consistency and better control on serve, she turned the match around to register a 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 win. The comeback highlighted her tenacity and fitness, especially in long matches a quality that has sustained her as India’s top-ranked singles player for the better part of the past decade.

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In doubles, Raina teamed up with fellow Indian Rutuja Bhosale, and the top-seeded Indian pair produced a dominant performance in the quarterfinals. They dispatched their opponents with a 6-0, 6-0 scoreline a rare double bagel as they stormed into the semifinals.

Raina and Bhosale, both accomplished doubles players on the ITF circuit, displayed strong chemistry at the net and barely gave their opponents a look-in. With this win, they remain strong contenders for the title, and a deep run here would further boost their combined doubles rankings and confidence ahead of tougher draws later this season.

Maaya Rajeshwaran Impresses in Germany

Meanwhile, on the junior circuit, 16-year-old Maaya Rajeshwaran continued her excellent rise with a fighting performance at the ITF J200 in Gladbeck, Germany. Seeded second and currently ranked #79 in the ITF Junior Rankings, Maaya overcame a spirited challenge from Serbia’s Masa Jankovic, a lucky loser ranked #190, in the round of 16.

In a match that tested her resolve, Maaya dropped the opening set but quickly regrouped to take control of the next two. She adapted her approach mid-match, adding more depth to her groundstrokes and showing superior movement to outlast her older opponent. The final scoreline of 5-7, 6-3, 6-2 underlined both her physical endurance and mental maturity traits that bode well for her transition to the professional circuit in the near future.

This quarterfinal appearance adds to a growing list of solid performances for Maaya, who has already established herself as one of India’s brightest junior prospects. A few more results at this level could push her closer to the top 50 in juniors, which would open doors to junior Grand Slam main draws in 2025.

Vaidehi Chaudhari Advances in Taipei

Over in East Asia, Vaidehi Chaudhari notched up a confident opening-round win at the ITF W35 in Taipei. The 23-year-old, ranked #368, faced Japan’s veteran Aiko Namigata (ranked #1145) and came through with a 7-5, 6-0 victory.

After a tight opening set that saw multiple exchanges of breaks, Vaidehi tightened her game considerably in the second, reeling off six games on the trot to seal the match in style. Her consistency from the back of the court and ability to absorb pace were key assets, especially against an experienced player like Namigata.

This win marks her entry into the round of 16, and with her current form and a favourable draw, she will be eyeing a quarterfinal appearance or better. With a strong 2025 season so far, Vaidehi is slowly working her way toward the top 300 and establishing herself as a mainstay on the W35/W50 circuit.

A Week of Momentum and Promise

This week’s performances highlight an encouraging trend for Indian women’s tennis. Ankita Raina’s return to form, particularly in doubles with Rutuja Bhosale, is a positive sign ahead of a busy summer on the European clay and hard court circuits. Their partnership, which has fetched multiple titles on the ITF level, remains a consistent source of results for India.

At the same time, the rise of juniors like Maaya Rajeshwaran brings fresh optimism. Her aggressive baseline play and physical fitness are already earning her recognition on the junior circuit, and her progress is being closely followed by coaches and fans alike.

Similarly, Vaidehi Chaudhari’s gradual rise in singles rankings represents the strength of the next rung of Indian women trying to break into higher echelons of the sport. If she continues to post strong results at the W35 level, a top 300 breakthrough is well within reach this year.

With the Paris Olympics concluded and attention now turning to the buildup to the 2026 Asian Games and Grand Slam main draws, India’s female players will be hoping to convert these consistent showings into title runs and ranking breakthroughs.

What to Watch For Next

  • Ankita Raina’s next singles QF match in Tauste will be a test of endurance, especially after a tough three-setter in the previous round.
  • The Raina-Bhosale pair, after their double bagel win, will enter the semifinals as favourites and are possibly two matches away from another ITF title.
  • Maaya Rajeshwaran’s quarterfinal in Gladbeck will be a chance to inch closer to a J200 title and valuable ranking points.
  • Vaidehi Chaudhari’s R16 clash in Taipei will help gauge her consistency against higher-ranked or similarly ranked opposition.

As the summer swing intensifies, these Indian names are worth tracking not only for their individual progress but for what they represent: a new era of belief and ambition in Indian women’s tennis.


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