The 2026 L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series got off to a high-quality start at the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) on Monday, as several of the tournament’s leading international contenders underlined their credentials with composed first-round victories.
Thai star Mananchaya Sanwangkaew and French third seed Leolia Jeanjean were among the standout performers on a day that also saw wins for Mai Hontama, Misaki Matsuda, Mei Yamaguchi and Miho Kuramochi, all booking their places in the second round.
The day began with Japan’s Mai Hontama setting the tone with a disciplined and efficient performance against 21-year-old Alevtina Ibragimova. Hontama dominated the opening set with her aggressive baseline play and clean ball-striking, racing to a 6–1 lead. Ibragimova attempted a comeback in the second set, finding more depth and rhythm from the back of the court, but Hontama absorbed the pressure and closed out the match 6–4 to move comfortably into the Round of 16.
One of the most anticipated matches of the day featured Mananchaya Sanwangkaew, last season’s runner-up in Mumbai, who returned to the venue looking to go one step further in 2026. The Thai star wasted little time against Slovakia’s Viktoria Morvayova, controlling the rallies with her pace and precision. Sanwangkaew’s ability to dictate play from both wings left Morvayova constantly on the defensive, and the Thai player wrapped up a commanding 6–2, 6–1 win to confirm her status as one of the tournament favourites.
The performance was another reminder of why Sanwangkaew is considered one of Asia’s leading players, having also competed against Emma Raducanu at the Australian Open earlier this year.
Indian interest on the day was centred on veteran Ankita Raina, who earned a place in the main draw after Lulu Sun withdrew due to illness. Raina faced Japan’s Misaki Matsuda in what proved to be a tough assignment. Matsuda took control early, using her consistency and depth to keep Raina pinned behind the baseline. While Raina battled hard, Matsuda’s superior shot selection and court coverage saw her take the match 6–4, 6–0 and advance confidently to the next round.
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The longest contest of the day came in the clash between Mei Yamaguchi and Polina Iatcenko, a match that lasted two hours and 14 minutes and tested both players’ physical and mental endurance. Iatcenko edged the opening set 7–5, but Yamaguchi steadily grew into the contest, tightening her groundstrokes and finding better angles. The Japanese player’s persistence paid off as she claimed the second set 6–3 before completing a strong comeback with another 6–3 in the decider, sealing a hard-earned victory.
On Centre Court, India’s No.2 singles player Vaidehee Chaudhari faced a formidable challenge against Leolia Jeanjean, the tournament’s third seed. Jeanjean, who rose to prominence after defeating former world No.1 Karolina Pliskova at the French Open in 2022, showcased her experience and control from the outset. Mixing heavy topspin with well-timed net approaches, the Frenchwoman kept Chaudhari from finding any sustained rhythm. Jeanjean wrapped up a polished 6–2, 6–0 win in just over an hour, underlining why she is one of the strongest contenders in the draw.
The final match of the day saw Japan’s Miho Kuramochi face Argentina’s Nicole Fossa Huergo. In a contest that ebbed and flowed, Kuramochi’s steadiness in the longer rallies proved decisive. She took the opening set 6–4 and maintained her focus in the second, closing out the match 6–3 after one hour and 31 minutes to move into the Round of 16.
With several top players advancing smoothly, the opening day of the main draw highlighted the depth and quality on display at this year’s L&T Mumbai Open. From Sanwangkaew’s ruthless efficiency to Jeanjean’s composed authority and Yamaguchi’s fighting spirit, the tournament immediately signalled that the road to the title will be fiercely contested.
As the competition continues through the week, Mumbai’s tennis fans can look forward to more high-intensity encounters as India’s leading players and international stars battle for crucial ranking points and one of the most coveted titles on the WTA 125K calendar.
