Indian tennis enjoyed a memorable week at the ITF W35 Solapur as Ankita Raina and Vaishnavi Adkar combined superbly to clinch the women’s doubles title on home soil.
The triumph capped a week of calm execution, strong teamwork, and resilience under pressure, as the Indian pair negotiated a competitive field to emerge champions in front of a supportive home crowd.
The Solapur event, part of the ITF World Tennis Tour, offered valuable ranking points and competitive match play on hard courts, and Raina–Adkar made the most of the opportunity. From the opening round, the duo looked settled, displaying clear roles at the net and baseline, and an understanding that grew stronger with each match.
Their campaign began with a convincing first-round win over fellow Indians Pooja Ingale and Madhurima Sawant. Raina and Adkar controlled the encounter from early on, winning 6–2, 7–6 to move into the quarterfinals. While the second set tested their composure, the pair stayed patient in the tiebreak, using smart placement and solid first serves to close out the match in straight sets.
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The quarterfinals saw them up against Anna Sedyshcheva and Emma van Poppel, a pairing that brought contrasting styles and experience. Raina and Adkar responded with one of their most assured performances of the week, winning 6–1, 6–4. The match underlined their growing confidence, with Adkar’s consistency from the baseline complementing Raina’s sharp instincts at the net.
The semifinals proved to be the toughest hurdle. Facing an all-Indian pair in Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty and Vaidehee Chaudhari, Raina and Adkar were forced to dig deep after dropping the opening set 2–6. The turning point came in the second set, where they tightened their service games and began to assert more control during longer rallies.
Winning the second set 7–6, they carried that momentum into the match tiebreak, where they surged ahead early and sealed the contest 10–3. The comeback showcased their mental strength and ability to respond under pressure, a hallmark of successful doubles partnerships.
In the final, the Indian duo faced Zeel Desai and Elina Nepliy, a pair that had also impressed throughout the tournament. The championship match followed a familiar script, with momentum swinging between the teams. Raina and Adkar lost the first set 4–6 but regrouped quickly, lifting their level in the second set to win 7–5. The deciding super tiebreak was a test of nerve, and once again the Indians delivered when it mattered most, edging through 10–6 to clinch the title.
For Ankita Raina, the victory added another chapter to her consistent presence on the ITF circuit, particularly in doubles, where her experience and tactical awareness continue to be invaluable. For Vaishnavi Adkar, the title was a significant milestone, reinforcing her progress and growing confidence at this level. Together, they formed a balanced partnership, blending experience with energy and execution.
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The W35 Solapur doubles title is also a positive sign for Indian women’s tennis, highlighting the depth of talent and the importance of domestic tournaments in providing competitive exposure. Winning at home carries added significance, and Raina and Adkar made full use of familiar conditions and crowd support.
As the season draws to a close, this triumph stands out as a reminder of the steady upward trajectory of Indian tennis. Strong performances in doubles not only bring silverware but also build confidence and momentum for the singles circuit.
For Ankita Raina and Vaishnavi Adkar, Solapur was about more than just a title it was a statement of composure, partnership, and belief.
