The L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series is poised to reclaim centre stage in Indian tennis as it returns for its fifth edition, bringing with it an impressive roster of international stars and a growing reputation as one of the most important women’s tournaments in South Asia.
The qualifying rounds will be held on January 30 and 31, followed by the main draw from February 2, at the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) in Mumbai.
Over the last few years, the Mumbai Open has evolved into far more than just a stop on the WTA 125 circuit. It has become a gateway between the ITF level and the full WTA Tour, regularly attracting players who are either on the cusp of the top tier or are making their way back after injury. In the past, the event has already welcomed global icons such as four-time Grand Slam champion and current World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, underlining the stature the tournament has acquired.
The 2026 edition promises to continue that tradition. Eight players in this year’s main draw are ranked inside the world’s top 150, ensuring that fans in Mumbai will witness a standard of tennis that mirrors many regular WTA Tour events.
Lulu Sun leads a powerful international field
Among the most compelling names in this year’s entry list is Lulu Sun, the 24-year-old New Zealander who arrives with a career-high ranking of 39 and a current ranking of 86. Sun’s global breakthrough came at Wimbledon 2024, where she shocked the tennis world by defeating World No. 8 Zheng Qinwen and later overcoming Emma Raducanu en route to a remarkable quarterfinal run as a qualifier. Her all-court game and calm under pressure have since made her a regular presence at the biggest tournaments. She also played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s Billie Jean King Cup campaign, going unbeaten across singles and doubles, and now brings that form to Mumbai.
Defending champion Darja Semenistaja of Latvia will also be back at the MSLTA courts, having claimed the 2024 Mumbai Open title in dramatic fashion. Her comeback victory over Storm Hunter in that final, after dropping the opening set, remains one of the most memorable moments in the tournament’s history. With a career-high ranking of 87 and 18 ITF singles titles, Semenistaja is known for her consistency and mental resilience traits that make her one of the most dangerous competitors at this level.
Experience and pedigree across the draw
The field also includes Leolia Jeanjean, the French star ranked 103 in the world. Jeanjean’s career highlight came at the 2022 French Open, where she stunned World No. 8 Karolina Pliskova while ranked 227, a reminder of her ability to rise on big occasions. Her blend of experience and composure makes her a serious contender in Mumbai.
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Australian Kimberly Birrell, currently ranked 76, brings a different storyline. After battling a long-term injury between 2019 and 2023, Birrell has rebuilt her career impressively, making six Grand Slam appearances in the last two seasons. Her stunning upset of Emma Navarro at the 2025 Brisbane International showed she is once again capable of beating elite opponents.
Joanna Garland, the No. 1 singles player from Chinese Taipei, is another player to watch closely. Ranked 117 her career best Garland has already collected 17 ITF singles titles and recently caught global attention by reaching the final of the innovative 1 Point Slam event at the Australian Open, defeating stars such as Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, Maria Sakkari and Donna Vekic along the way.
Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew also returns to Mumbai after finishing runner-up in last year’s edition. Once ranked as high as 100, she has shown flashes of top-level quality, including a stunning win over Anna Kalinskaya in Singapore. Now fully recovered from injury, she will be determined to go one step further this time.
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Adding depth to the field is Dutch left-hander Arantxa Rus, a former World No. 41 and one of the most experienced players in the draw. With over a decade on the professional circuit, Rus has defeated some of the biggest names in women’s tennis, including Kim Clijsters and Samantha Stosur, and won her first WTA singles title in Hamburg in 2023. Her presence adds a valuable mix of experience and tactical nuance to the tournament.
While the international stars will draw attention, the L&T Mumbai Open also remains a crucial platform for Indian players, who will receive wildcard entries into the main draw. These opportunities allow India’s best women to test themselves against world-class opposition, often providing the springboard for career-defining runs.
With its blend of rising stars, proven champions, and seasoned professionals, the 2026 L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series is set to deliver one of its strongest editions yet. As Mumbai prepares to welcome the world’s elite, the MSLTA courts are once again ready to host tennis of the highest quality and perhaps the next great story in women’s tennis.
