Indian tennis star Zeel Desai added another chapter to her professional journey by winning the ITF W15 Gurugram title, overcoming a spirited challenge from rising compatriot Shruti Ahlawat in the final.
In a thrilling all-India contest, Desai rallied from a set down to triumph 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, clinching her first title of the 2025 season and the fourth ITF singles trophy of her career.
As the top seed in the W15 Gurugram draw, Desai entered the tournament with the weight of expectation. Ranked No. 664 in the world, she was also the most experienced Indian player in the 32-strong field, which featured 21 homegrown talents a clear indication of India’s growing depth at the ITF level.
Her campaign began with a steady first-round win over compatriot Sahira Singh. Despite dropping the opening set 5-7, Desai bounced back confidently to seal the next two 6-3, 6-4. It was an early test of her resilience, and she showed she had the patience to work her way through tight matches. In the second round, she faced Russian youngster Anna Sedysheva.
Once again, Desai was pushed to the limit, losing the first set 4-6 before regrouping impressively to edge out a marathon contest 7-5, 7-6(2). Saving her best tennis for the clutch moments, she advanced to the quarterfinals in what was already a mentally taxing campaign.
The quarterfinal stage saw Desai shift gears. Up against Singapore’s Eva Marie Desvignes, she delivered her cleanest performance of the week, winning comfortably 6-2, 6-1. The victory gave her the confidence and rhythm she needed heading into the business end of the event.
In the semifinals, Desai locked horns with India’s Akanksha Dileep Nitture, the third seed ranked 788. In what turned out to be a high-quality encounter, Desai prevailed 6-3, 6-4. Nitture fought valiantly, saving multiple match points and nearly forcing a decider, but Desai’s consistency under pressure carried her into her second final of the season.
The title clash had all the makings of a classic. On one side was Desai, the seasoned campaigner with over a decade of ITF circuit experience and three titles under her belt. On the other was 19-year-old Shruti Ahlawat, one of the brightest prospects in Indian women’s tennis, who had stormed into the final with fearless strokeplay.
Ahlawat started the stronger of the two, striking the ball cleanly and capitalizing on Desai’s tentative play in the opening set. With aggressive returns and quickfire rallies, she raced to a 6-2 win in the first set, stunning the top seed.
But champions are defined by how they respond to adversity, and Desai raised her level dramatically in the second set. Using her court coverage and tactical awareness, she began extending rallies, drawing errors from Ahlawat. Her forehand began to find its range, and she dominated to take the set 6-1.
The decider was a true battle of wills. Ahlawat refused to go away quietly, but Desai’s experience shone through at the key moments. At 4-4, she broke serve with a superb return game and then held her nerve to serve out the match 6-4. After nearly two and a half hours of gripping tennis, it was Desai who emerged victorious, lifting her fourth career ITF singles title.
Career Context: Zeel’s Fourth ITF Crown
This latest triumph is the continuation of a career built on persistence and adaptability. Before Gurugram, Desai had won three ITF titles:
- 2017 – $15,000 Gwalior (Hard, ITF Women’s Circuit)
- 2023 – W15 Monastir (Hard, Coaching Trial event)
- 2023 – W15 Jhajjar (Clay, ITF W15)
Her 2023 season, which yielded two titles, was a reminder of her ability to stay competitive despite the physical and mental demands of the tour. Now, in 2025, the Gurugram victory underscores her continued relevance as one of India’s most consistent performers at the ITF level.
A Win for Indian Tennis Depth
The fact that the Gurugram event featured an all-India final is itself significant. For years, Indian women’s tennis has struggled for depth beyond the likes of Sania Mirza in doubles or Ankita Raina in singles. But the presence of 21 Indian players in the main draw and the performances of youngsters like Ahlawat and Nitture signal a new era.
Desai’s victory is a reminder of the value of experience, while the fight shown by Ahlawat points to a promising future. This blend of youth and maturity is exactly what Indian tennis needs to build a stronger base.
For Desai, the immediate focus will be on converting this form into consistency across the season. With ranking points from the Gurugram title boosting her position, she will look to climb back inside the Top 600 and aim for higher-category ITF events.
For Shruti Ahlawat, the runner-up finish is a breakthrough result that should provide confidence and valuable experience. Her performance against higher-ranked players throughout the week shows she belongs at this level and can aspire for more.
The ITF W15 Gurugram 2025 will be remembered as a tournament where Indian tennis showcased both its present and its future. Zeel Desai, the seasoned competitor, displayed grit, experience, and tactical maturity to capture her fourth ITF singles title, while rising stars like Shruti Ahlawat and Akanksha Nitture proved that the next generation is ready to challenge.
For Desai, the title is a well-earned reward for her perseverance on the circuit. For Indian tennis, it is a sign of promise a reflection of growing depth and the potential to see more Indian women making their mark on the global stage.
