When Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi walked onto the courts of the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) last year, she was still a relatively unknown name on the senior international circuit.
By the time the 2025 L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series concluded, the 16-year-old had transformed into one of Indian tennis’ most exciting prospects, having stormed her way from the qualifiers to the semi-finals of a major WTA Challenger event.
Now, as the 2026 edition of the Mumbai Open begins from February 2 to 8, Maaya is back where her breakthrough story began. Awarded a Wild Card into the Main Draw once again, the teenager from Tamil Nadu returns with greater experience, sharper ambitions and a growing belief that she belongs at this level.
A tournament that changed everything
The 2025 Mumbai Open proved to be a defining moment in Maaya’s young career. Entering the tournament as a qualifier, she went on an unforgettable run, defeating several higher-ranked international opponents and capturing the imagination of Indian tennis fans with her fearless shot-making and calm presence under pressure. Her journey ended only at the semi-final stage, where she was beaten by eventual champion Jil Teichmann, but by then she had already made her mark.
Looking back, Maaya describes last year’s experience as one of the most important phases of her development. “The 2025 Mumbai Open was one of my breakthrough tournaments and I really enjoyed the challenge of playing in front of the home crowd,” she said. “It was a good year for me because I travelled a lot, played many higher-ranked players and learned what it takes to compete at this level.”
Those weeks of back-to-back matches also taught her valuable lessons away from the scoreboard. “It was one of the first times I played tournaments regularly without long breaks, and that helped me understand workload management better,” she explained. For a player still in her mid-teens, that learning curve is as important as any victory.
Returning with a different mindset
This time around, Maaya steps into the Mumbai Open not as a surprise package, but as a known quantity. Expectations are naturally higher, but she insists she is not weighed down by them.
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“I don’t see it as pressure,” she said. “For me, it’s a privilege and an honour to be able to represent my country and play at this level. I really enjoy being on court and competing. That’s what matters the most.” That relaxed outlook reflects her maturity beyond her years. While many young players struggle with the burden of early success, Maaya appears focused on a longer journey, one that is built on steady improvement rather than chasing immediate results.
A tough opening challenge
Maaya’s return to the Mumbai Open will be tested immediately, as she faces Thailand’s fifth seed Lanlana Tararudee in the opening round of the main draw. Tararudee is an established presence on the WTA Challenger circuit, known for her consistency and ability to grind through long rallies.
Yet, Maaya is not planning to alter her approach based on the opponent. “My preparation remains the same against anyone,” she said. “At this stage of my career, it’s more about focusing on my own game. I want to keep improving my skills and play as many high-intensity matches as possible.”
That philosophy is exactly what carried her so far last year. By concentrating on her own patterns, footwork and shot selection rather than the name on the other side of the net, Maaya managed to outplay several seasoned professionals.
For Maaya, the Mumbai Open is more than just another tournament on the calendar. It represents her first real step into senior professional tennis, and the platform that introduced her to a wider audience. “Last year, in many ways, was the beginning of my senior-level journey,” she said. “Being part of the Mumbai Open is always special. I’m really grateful to MSLTA, Hon. President Mr. Prashant Sutar and Hon. Secretary Mr. Sunder Iyer for giving me this opportunity again.”
The MSLTA’s continued support has allowed Maaya and several other young Indian players to test themselves against international opposition without leaving home. For teenagers transitioning into the professional ranks, that exposure is invaluable.
Maaya Rajeshwaran’s return to the 2026 Mumbai Open also reflects a broader shift in Indian women’s tennis. A new generation of players is beginning to emerge, combining early international exposure with a fearless attitude on court.
At just 16, Maaya is still years away from reaching her physical and technical peak, but the signs are already promising. Her calm under pressure, ability to stay in long rallies and willingness to take the initiative against more experienced players point to a future built on resilience and confidence.
As she steps back onto the MSLTA courts this week, the expectations may be higher than last year, but the essence of her game remains the same playing freely, learning with every match and embracing the challenge of competing against the best.
Whether or not she repeats her semi-final run, Maaya’s presence at the 2026 L&T Mumbai Open is already a reminder of how quickly Indian tennis is evolving. And for a teenager still writing the first chapters of her story, the journey has only just begun.
