The fifth edition of the L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series was formally set in motion on Republic Day with the unveiling of the tournament trophy by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence in Mumbai.
The ceremony marked an important milestone ahead of the international women’s tennis event, scheduled to be held from February 2 to 8, 2026, at the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) courts. Over the past few years, the Mumbai Open has steadily grown into one of India’s most prominent women’s tennis tournaments, and the Republic Day unveiling underlined both its sporting and symbolic significance. The event was attended by several dignitaries and stakeholders who have played a key role in shaping the tournament’s journey.
Among those present were the Patron of the tournament, Mrs. Amruta Fadnavis; senior representatives from Larsen & Toubro, including Shri S. V. Desai, Director and Senior Executive Vice-President, and Mr. Sumeet Chatterjee, Chief Communications Officer; senior government officials Shri Pravin Darade, IAS, and Mrs. Pallavi Darade, IRS; as well as office-bearers from Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association, including President Prashant Sutar and Chairman Bharat Oza.
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Also in attendance were some of the sport’s key on-field contributors, including Maharashtra’s rising tennis talent and World University Games bronze medallist Vaishnavi Adkar, along with Indian Fed Cup coach Radhika Tulpule-Kanitkar, reflecting the tournament’s strong link to India’s player development ecosystem.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the broader impact the Mumbai Open has had on Indian women’s tennis. He noted that the previous editions of the tournament had provided invaluable exposure to domestic players competing alongside experienced international professionals.
“We are proud to host the fifth edition of the L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series,” Fadnavis said. “The last four editions have seen many Indian players perform strongly, and I hope this year too our players make the most of this opportunity. I wish all the participants, especially the Indian players, the very best for the tournament.”
The Chief Minister’s remarks underscored the growing recognition of women’s sport within the state’s sporting agenda, with the Mumbai Open increasingly seen as a flagship event that blends elite competition with long-term athlete development.
From an organisational standpoint, the tournament’s evolution has been closely tied to the sustained efforts of the MSLTA and its partners. MSLTA President Prashant Sutar emphasised how the Mumbai Open has matured into a key fixture on the international calendar.
“The L&T Mumbai Open has grown into one of the most important women’s tennis tournaments in the country,” Sutar said. “Hosting the fifth edition is a matter of great pride for us. We are grateful to the Government of Maharashtra for its continued support, which has allowed us to create a world-class platform for Indian and international players while contributing meaningfully to the growth of tennis in the state.”
As a WTA 125K Series event, the Mumbai Open occupies a crucial rung in the global women’s tennis ladder. These tournaments sit just below the main WTA Tour events, offering significant ranking points and prize money, while serving as a vital bridge for players transitioning from the ITF circuit to the sport’s top tier. For Indian players in particular, the opportunity to compete in such an event at home reduces financial strain and provides exposure to high-quality opposition under familiar conditions.
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The Mumbai Open’s legacy is already rich despite its relatively young history. Past champions include Aryna Sabalenka, who lifted the title as a teenager in 2017 before going on to become one of the dominant forces in women’s tennis and an Australian Open champion. Thailand’s Luksika Kumkhum won the tournament in 2018, while Latvia’s Darja Semenistaja claimed the crown in 2024, followed by Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann in the most recent edition. Each of these winners reflects the tournament’s ability to attract players at different stages of their professional journeys.
For Indian tennis, the significance of the Mumbai Open extends beyond the trophy itself. In recent editions, players such as Ankita Raina, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty and Maaya Rajeshwaran have used the platform to test themselves against higher-ranked opponents, gain valuable ranking points and build confidence on a big stage.
As preparations gather pace for the 2026 edition, the unveiling of the trophy serves as both a ceremonial beginning and a reminder of how far the event has come.
With strong institutional backing, corporate partnership from Larsen & Toubro, and continued government support, the L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series is poised to further cement its status as a cornerstone of women’s tennis in India and an important stop on the global WTA calendar.
