The world of table tennis turns its attention to Macao as the ITTF Singles World Cup 2025 kicks off from April 14 to 20, with India’s top two female paddlers—Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula—set to battle it out in a new and more promising group stage format.
With the tournament featuring 48 of the world’s best women’s singles players, the stakes are as high as ever.
The competition begins with a round-robin group stage, where players are divided into 16 groups of 3 each, and only the group toppers will advance to the knockout phase.
Group matches will be played in a best-of-4 games format, while knockout ties will return to the traditional best-of-7 games.
Last year, both Manika and Sreeja faced an uphill battle in the group stages, running into the full might of China.
Manika was grouped with the reigning Olympic champion Wang Manyu and Romania’s Adina Diaconu, while Sreeja had to contend with the formidable Chen Meng and Poland’s Natalia Bajor. Despite gritty efforts, both Indians failed to advance. But 2025 offers a brighter outlook.
Group 16 – Manika Batra’s Chance for Redemption
Manika Batra, currently ranked World No. 30, finds herself in Group alongside Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi (WR23) and France’s Maylis Giret (WR186).
On paper, Bruna Takahashi poses the biggest challenge. The Brazilian has a consistent attacking game and recent wins over top-20 opponents.
But Manika’s experience and her unique mix of spin and deception—especially with her long pips on the backhand—make her a difficult opponent on any day.
Manika holds a psychological advantage too: this year, she’s not up against the Chinese elite. With Maylis Giret likely to be the underdog in this group, the critical clash will be between Manika and Bruna.
If the Indian paddler can bring her A-game, particularly with a strong service game and early control in rallies, she’s in a solid position to top the group and qualify for the knockouts—something she narrowly missed out on in 2024.
Group 9 – Sreeja Akula’s Rising Star Status
Sreeja Akula, ranked World No. 34, has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in Indian table tennis. She enters Group 9 where she’ll face Bernadette Szőcs (WR13) from Romania and Constantina Parakouda (WR48) from Australia.
Szőcs is the clear favourite, known for her dynamic style, quick footwork, and explosive forehand. But Sreeja is no pushover—she has shown tremendous improvement in international play over the last 12 months, particularly in her consistency and ability to handle high-pressure points.
Her match against Constantina will be crucial; a convincing win there will set the tone. But it’s the encounter with Szőcs that will define her tournament.
Sreeja has shown she can punch above her weight, and if she can take control early and keep rallies short—one of Szőcs’ vulnerabilities—an upset might just be on the cards.
Favourable Draws Offer India a Shot
Compared to last year’s daunting Chinese matchups, the 2025 draw is significantly more favourable for both Indian athletes. Neither Manika nor Sreeja faces a top-10 opponent in the group stage, and that alone opens the door for a potential deep run—provided they seize their moments.
This also marks a key test of India’s growing presence on the global table tennis stage. With the Paris Olympics behind us and Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon, these World Cups serve not just as testing grounds but also as stages where players can make statements.
For Manika, it’s about reaffirming her status as India’s top-ranked woman; for Sreeja, it’s about building on her momentum and staking a claim as the next big thing.
Looking Ahead
The ITTF Singles World Cup in Macao is not just another tournament—it’s a showcase of the best, and it offers limited second chances. With only group winners advancing, every point, every set, and every tactical decision counts.
For Indian fans, the next week offers the promise of something special. If Manika Batra can control the pace and outfox her group rivals, and if Sreeja Akula can play with belief and precision, India could have both its stars in the knockout rounds—a first in recent history.
The journey begins on April 14. All eyes on Macao. All eyes on Manika and Sreeja.
Let the games begin.
