Day three of the Tennis Premier League (TPL) Season 7, powered by Clear Premium Water, produced a series of dramatic swings and tightly contested match-ups as Yash Mumbai Eagles and Gujarat Panthers emerged victorious in the opening half of play at the Gujarat University Tennis Stadium.
With each point carrying strategic weight under the TPL format, the margin for error was razor-thin, adding to the excitement for fans in Ahmedabad.
Yash Mumbai Eagles edge Hyderabad Strikers in a tense opener
The day began with Yash Mumbai Eagles taking on Hyderabad Strikers, a tie that showcased momentum shifts across all four categories. The Strikers struck first, courtesy of Carole Monnet, who delivered a composed performance in the Women’s Singles. Her depth and accuracy from the baseline helped her post a convincing 16-9 win over Riya Bhatia, providing Hyderabad with the early advantage.
However, the Eagles responded immediately. In Mixed Doubles, Riya Bhatia paired with Niki Poonacha to engineer a strong 15-10 win over the duo of Monnet and Vishnu Vardhan, restoring balance to the contest. Their aggressive net play and coordinated court coverage proved decisive in key moments. The match turned further in Mumbai’s favour during the Men’s Singles, where former top-30 star Damir Dzumhur registered his first win of the tournament. Playing with rhythm and clarity, he outplayed Pedro Martinez 16-9, giving the Eagles a crucial cushion on the scoreboard.
Despite the setback, the Strikers fought to stay alive in the Men’s Doubles. Vishnu Vardhan and Pedro Martinez claimed a tight 13-12 victory over Dzumhur and Poonacha, showcasing excellent reflexes and tactical discipline. But the narrow margin was not enough to overturn the earlier deficit, and Yash Mumbai Eagles sealed the tie 52-48, marking an important step in their campaign as they continue to build momentum.
Gujarat Panthers script a comeback against Rajasthan Rangers
The second match featured a determined Gujarat Panthers, still searching for their first win this season, taking on Rajasthan Rangers in what turned into a gripping battle. The contest opened with a strong statement from Ekaterina Kazionova, who overpowered Nuria Brancaccio 16-9 in the Women’s Singles. Kazionova’s control from the backcourt, mixed with incisive angles, gave the Panthers early control.
But Rajasthan responded by flipping the narrative in Mixed Doubles. Kazionova, partnering Dhakshineswar Suresh, looked set to extend the Panthers’ lead, but Brancaccio and Anirudh Chandrasekar mounted a spirited push to eke out a 13-12 win, swinging momentum back towards the Rangers. The highlight of the tie unfolded in the Men’s Singles, where two top-50 players Alexandre Müller (world No. 46) and Luciano Darderi (world No. 26) went head-to-head in one of the tournament’s marquee clashes.
Müller produced a commanding performance, dictating exchanges with pace and precision en route to a 17-8 win. The result shifted the balance sharply towards Gujarat heading into the final event.
In Men’s Doubles, Müller teamed up with Chandrasekar to seal the victory. Their 14-11 win over Suresh and Darderi completed a 52-48 comeback, delivering the Panthers’ first win of the season and injecting fresh life into their campaign.
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The intensity carried into the second session, where Rohan Bopanna’s SG Pipers squared off against Chennai Smashers, followed by a clash between Gurgaon Grand Slammers and GS Delhi Aces. With playoff qualification beginning to take shape, every tie is now critical as teams navigate tightly packed standings and narrow scoring margins.
About Tennis Premier League
The Tennis Premier League has established itself as Asia’s biggest tennis league, blending top-tier Indian talent with celebrated international names. The league enjoys strong backing from Indian tennis icons including Leander Paes, Sania Mirza, and Mahesh Bhupathi, who serves as CEO of the SG Pipers. The platform also attracts prominent personalities from entertainment and business, with Bollywood stars such as Rakul Preet Singh and Sonali Bendre Behl among its supporters.
With its unique format, high-energy atmosphere, and growing fan engagement, TPL continues to elevate tennis within India’s sporting landscape, offering rising players a stage to compete under pressure while entertaining audiences across the country.
