While much of the sporting world in February is tuned into global cricket action, Indian tennis has its own significant storyline unfolding in Pune.
The ITF Women’s W75 tournament, which began on February 9 at the Deccan Gymkhana, represents one of the most important professional platforms for Indian women’s tennis on home soil.
Offering $60,000 in prize money along with valuable ITF ranking points, the W75 event has steadily grown into a key fixture on the Indian tennis calendar. Played on hard courts, it serves as both a proving ground for emerging talent and a ranking opportunity for established professionals seeking upward mobility. For Indian players, competing at this level without the burden of international travel provides a rare and valuable advantage.
A Blend of Experience and Emerging Talent
The 2026 edition features a mix of seasoned campaigners and young prospects, reflecting the transitional phase Indian women’s tennis currently finds itself in. Among the most experienced names in the draw is Ankita Raina, long regarded as the backbone of Indian women’s tennis. A former national No.1 with over a decade of experience hovering around the top-200 bracket, Raina has been a consistent presence on the international circuit.
As of February 10, Raina was ranked 675 in the WTA standings. Though her ranking has fluctuated in recent seasons, her role in Indian tennis extends beyond numbers. Known for her grit and relentless court coverage, she has led India in multiple Billie Jean King Cup campaigns. However, her campaign in Pune ended in the opening round with a loss to Korea’s Sohyun Park a reminder of how fine the margins are at this competitive level.
Yet, Indian interest in the singles draw remains alive, thanks to Sahaja Yamalapalli. Ranked 428 in the world, the 25-year-old delivered a composed performance to secure a first-round victory and keep Indian hopes intact. Yamalapalli’s journey has been one of steady growth. After making adjustments to her coaching setup and refining elements of her game, she appears to be reaping the rewards. Her ability to stay composed on Pune’s hard courts could prove pivotal as the tournament progresses.
Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, ranked 569, adds further depth to the Indian singles contingent. The young player recently impressed in the Billie Jean King Cup, showcasing power and maturity beyond her years. Pune offers her another opportunity to translate international exposure into results on home soil.
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Other Indian participants including Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi, Vaidehee Chaudhari, and Vaishnavi Adkar faced early exits. Despite the setbacks, their presence underscores the expanding pool of Indian players gaining exposure at this level.
Doubles: India’s Strongest Avenue
Historically, Indian women have enjoyed greater success in doubles at home events, and W75 Pune appears no different. Doubles continues to be a strategic strength for India, offering ranking stability and realistic title opportunities.
The pairing of Ankita Raina and Shrivalli Bhamidipaty has previously demonstrated promising chemistry, particularly during their strong run at the Mumbai Open. Their complementary styles Raina’s tactical intelligence and Bhamidipaty’s power provide balance and adaptability.
Beyond established partnerships, Indian doubles depth remains encouraging. Players such as S. Chilakalapudi, A.D. Nitture, P. Ingale, and P.A. Mundhe contribute to a competitive domestic presence in the doubles draw. Success in doubles carries multiple benefits: ranking points, financial rewards, and confidence especially when earned in front of supportive home crowds.
The atmosphere at Deccan Gymkhana has historically energized Indian players. Competing in familiar conditions, with crowd backing, often narrows the gap between ranking disparities.
Timing and Broader Implications
The W75 Pune tournament arrives at a strategically important moment in the season. Positioned between major international events and domestic ATP Challengers, it gives Indian players a rare home-based opportunity to accumulate ranking points during a busy calendar month.
With recent structural changes in Indian men’s events including downgrades of certain ATP tournaments it becomes even more critical for women’s events like W75 Pune to serve as stable ranking platforms. Moreover, performances in February could have broader implications for selection discussions related to upcoming multi-sport events, including the 2026 Asian Games. Ranking points earned now will influence player positioning for the remainder of the year, adding competitive urgency to every match.
The recent Billie Jean King Cup campaign also appears to have sharpened the Indian core group. Exposure to high-quality international opponents has improved match temperament and tactical awareness — traits that could translate into deeper runs in Pune.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, several storylines remain compelling. Can Yamalapalli build on her opening-round success? Will India’s doubles combinations capitalize on home advantage? Can emerging players convert opportunity into breakthrough performances? Professional tennis is unforgiving. Margins are narrow, and consistency is elusive. Raina’s early exit illustrates the challenges at this level, while Yamalapalli’s victory highlights the resilience required to succeed.
For Indian women’s tennis, the W75 Pune tournament represents more than just a week of competition. It is a platform for growth, a test of readiness, and a stage where the next phase of Indian women’s tennis can take shape.
On the hard courts of Deccan Gymkhana, every point carries significance not only for rankings, but for momentum in a sport striving for its next major breakthrough.
