As the countdown begins for the 2026 L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series, one of Indian tennis’ most consistent performers over the last three seasons, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, will once again get the opportunity to test herself on home soil.
The 24-year-old, currently India’s No.3 in women’s singles, has been awarded a wild card into the main draw of the tournament, which will be staged at the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) courts in Mumbai from February 2 to 8, following the qualifying rounds on January 31 and February 1.
For Bhamidipaty, the Mumbai Open represents far more than just another week on the WTA calendar. It is a rare chance for Indian players to compete against top international opposition without the financial and logistical burdens of overseas travel, and for Shrivalli, it is also a stage where she has already proved that she belongs among the elite.
Over the past few years, Bhamidipaty has quietly built a reputation as one of the most reliable and hard-working players on the Indian circuit. Her breakthrough came in 2023 when she won her maiden ITF singles title at the W25 Bengaluru event, a moment that announced her arrival on the professional stage. That success was followed by a steady climb up the rankings, culminating in a career-high WTA ranking of No.300 in 2024. It was a milestone that reflected not just isolated results, but sustained consistency across the season.
In 2025, her growing stature was further underlined when she became only the third Indian woman to win the Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award in the Asia/Oceania Group 1. The award, given for exceptional courage, dedication and team spirit, recognised her impact not just as a singles player but also as a leader and competitor who thrives under pressure.
The L&T Mumbai Open has already been a happy hunting ground for Shrivalli. In the previous edition of the tournament, she produced one of the strongest runs by an Indian player, reaching the quarterfinals after two impressive victories. In the opening round, she brushed aside Russia’s Elena Pridankina in straight sets, wrapping up the contest in under an hour with a display of controlled aggression and clean ball-striking. She followed that up with another standout performance in the Round of 16, taking down Serbia’s Aleksandra Krunic, a former top-50 player known for her explosive style.
Shrivalli’s run eventually came to an end against Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann, who went on to lift the title, but even in defeat, the Indian left with a sense that she was closing the gap on players at the very top of the WTA 125 level.
Looking back at that campaign, Bhamidipaty remains both proud and hungry. “I had a few good results last time but I am going to give my best and try to go further this time around,” she said. “My goal is to play with confidence, stay focused, and give my best in every match. I want to enjoy the competition and keep improving with each round.”
Those three words confidence, focus and effort have become something of a personal mantra for her. Over the past year, she has invested heavily in improving her physical conditioning, understanding that modern tennis demands not just skill but endurance and resilience. “After the last edition, I have worked on my fitness a lot. It is also key to be consistent and stay calm during important points,” she added, highlighting the areas she believes will make the biggest difference in tight matches.
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The opportunity to compete once again in Mumbai is something Shrivalli does not take lightly. She is acutely aware of how rare such high-level tournaments are in India, especially for women players trying to break into the upper echelons of the sport. “I’m very thankful to Hon President Mr. Prashant Sutar and Hon Secretary Mr. Sunder Iyer of the MSLTA for giving me the wild card at the L&T Mumbai Open. It means a lot to me and gives me a great chance to compete at a high level in front of the home crowd. I want to give my 100% and enjoy the opportunity given to me,” she said.
For players like Bhamidipaty, the Mumbai Open is not just about prize money or ranking points; it is about exposure, learning and belief. Facing higher-ranked international opponents week after week in India helps shorten the gap between domestic competition and the global tour. “This tournament is very important for Indian players because it gives us the chance to play against strong international players without going abroad,” Shrivalli explained. “It helps us gain experience and improve our level, and to do that in front of Indian fans is truly a special feeling.”
As she prepares to step onto the MSLTA courts once more, Bhamidipaty carries with her the lessons of past campaigns, the confidence earned through hard work, and the quiet ambition to push further than before. With her mix of consistency, mental strength and growing physical readiness, she will be one of the Indian names to watch closely when the 2026 L&T Mumbai Open gets underway.
