The stage is set for a landmark evening at the WTA Chennai Open 2025, as two Indian wildcards Sahaja Yamalapalli and Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty prepare to take on top international names in the Round of 16.
Both players enter Thursday’s matches with an opportunity to script history for Indian tennis at the SDAT Stadium in Nungambakkam, where the energy of the home crowd is expected to be electric.
Sahaja Yamalapalli vs Donna Vekic (CRO) | WTA Rankings: Yamalapalli (344) vs Vekic (78)
Match Time: 4:30 PM IST | Round of 16 – Hard Court
In one of the most intriguing matchups of the second round, Sahaja Yamalapalli faces Croatia’s Donna Vekic, the tournament’s No. 3 seed. On paper, the ranking gap looks vast 344 vs 78 but context changes everything. Vekic, once ranked as high as World No. 17 and a Wimbledon semifinalist in 2024, enters Chennai on the back of a difficult 2025 season, winning just 12 of 34 matches a mere 35% win rate. The 29-year-old has struggled to find rhythm, with repeated early exits on the WTA Tour, raising questions about her form and confidence. Her first-round win over lucky loser Vaishnavi Adkar (WTA 697) offered little clarity, as she was often tentative from the baseline and inconsistent with her serve.
The 23-year-old Indian has been in fine touch since her first-round victory over Priska Madelyn Nugroho (6-4, 6-2), a result that gave her not just a place in the last 16 but also validation on the international stage. The match showcased Sahaja’s ability to play composed, percentage tennis under home pressure a sign of maturity from a player primarily competing on the ITF circuit. Her groundstrokes were steady, her serve reliable, and most importantly, she appeared unfazed by expectations. That mental steadiness, coupled with the home crowd’s energy, will be her greatest asset against Vekic.
Tactically, Yamalapalli’s best path lies in patience. Vekic thrives on first-strike tennis and loves short rallies. If Sahaja can extend points beyond five or six shots, forcing the Croatian to overhit, she can create frustration. Vekic’s first-serve percentage has often dipped below 60% this year something Yamalapalli can exploit by stepping in on second serves.
While the odds heavily favor the experienced Croatian, her vulnerabilities particularly on slower, humid conditions like Chennai’s make this a potential upset zone. If Yamalapalli starts strong and maintains scoreboard pressure, the crowd could turn this into a long, nervy contest for the favorite.
“The crowd here gives you energy. Every point feels like a heartbeat,” Sahaja said after her first-round win. “I just want to stay in the moment, trust my shots, and fight till the last point.”
Given Vekic’s current struggles and Sahaja’s momentum, this clash could well turn into the most dramatic match of the day.
Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty vs Kimberly Birrell (AUS) | Round of 16 – Hard Court
Match Time: 6:30 PM IST | WTA Rankings: Bhamidipaty (434) vs Birrell (117)
If Yamalapalli’s match is about potential upset, Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty’s second-round clash against Australia’s Kimberly Birrell is about experience versus promise.
Birrell, seeded seventh, has been one of the most consistent performers on the WTA 250 circuit this season. The Australian holds a 60% win record on hard courts (25-17) and reached a career-high ranking of World No. 60 earlier in 2025. She comes into this match after a gritty three-set win over Nikola Bartunkova (WTA 133) in the opening round a match that showcased her tactical discipline and physical endurance.
The 27-year-old is a strong baseliner who builds points with depth and patience rather than raw power. Against lower-ranked players, Birrell’s ability to sustain long rallies and minimize errors often proves decisive.
For Shrivalli, the challenge is monumental but not without opportunity. The 23-year-old Hyderabad-based player, currently ranked No. 434, earned her wildcard through consistent domestic performances and a fighting spirit that has drawn admiration from the Indian tennis fraternity. Her first-round win over 16-year-old Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi was routine, but it helped her settle into the main-draw rhythm. The difference in experience, however, will be stark. Birrell has played 59 tour-level matches this year alone, while Shrivalli has primarily competed at the ITF W35 and W50 levels. Her serve placement and ability to absorb pressure under long rallies will be severely tested.
Tactically, Shrivalli will need to shorten points and take calculated risks. Playing from deep positions will invite Birrell to dictate tempo, so early aggression especially through her forehand down the line could be her best weapon.
That said, the home crowd and Chennai’s humid conditions could act as levellers. Indian players often thrive on physical endurance in local conditions, and Shrivalli’s strong movement and court coverage could extend rallies long enough to frustrate her opponent. Still, Birrell’s track record suggests that she rarely drops intensity against lower-ranked players. Expect her to apply steady pressure from the baseline and look for early breaks. Unless Shrivalli produces a near-perfect serving day, Birrell remains the clear favorite to advance.
The WTA Chennai Open 2025 has already become a celebration of Indian women’s tennis. With two Indian players in the Round of 16, the event has reignited local enthusiasm reminiscent of the 2022 edition, when Ankita Raina and Karman Thandi reached the main draw. The home crowd, expected to pack the SDAT complex, will play a vital role. Chennai’s fans have long been vocal and supportive of local players, and that energy could once again serve as an equalizer.
Prediction and Outlook
Sahaja Yamalapalli vs Donna Vekic: Upset potential high. Expect Yamalapalli to test the struggling Vekic, possibly forcing a deciding set. If Vekic’s serve falters, an Indian win isn’t out of the question.
Prediction: Vekic wins in three sets (6-4, 3-6, 6-3).
Shrivalli Bhamidipaty vs Kimberly Birrell: Experience and control likely to prevail. Birrell’s reliability should carry her through.
Prediction: Birrell wins in straight sets (6-2, 6-3).
Whatever the outcome, Thursday promises to be a defining chapter in the Chennai Open’s growing legacy where local dreams collide with international pedigree, and Indian tennis continues to inch closer to belonging on the sport’s global map.
