India’s Shrivalli Bhamidipaty began her WTA 250 Chennai Open campaign in style, defeating 16-year-old compatriot Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi 6-1, 6-4 to move into the Round of 16, marking her first-ever WTA 250 main-draw victory.
The match, played under humid and breezy conditions at the SDAT Tennis Stadium, was a blend of power and promise Shrivalli’s heavy serve and composed baseline control against Maaya’s youthful aggression and fearless shotmaking. While the scoreline may suggest a comfortable win, it was a match that underlined the contrasting trajectories of two of India’s most exciting prospects on the women’s tour. The 23-year-old from Hyderabad, currently ranked WTA No. 434, came into the tournament looking to turn her season around after a mixed run of results on the ITF circuit.
Her victory showcased not just form but intent a reflection of the self-assurance she gained earlier this year during her five-match winning streak in the Billie Jean King Cup, which helped India qualify for the BJK Cup Play-offs for the first time.
From the opening game, Shrivalli stamped her authority. Her first serve, consistently clocking above 175 km/h, immediately put Maaya under pressure. She broke the teenager’s serve in the very first game and consolidated it with a confident hold to go up 2-0. Maaya, known for her clean groundstrokes and fighting spirit, tried to counter with pace off both wings, but her inconsistency and double faults (six in total) hurt her rhythm. Shrivalli stayed aggressive, attacking the short returns and closing points at the net with crisp volleys. Within 27 minutes, she sealed the opening set 6-1, losing just seven points on serve.
Maaya Fights Back in the Second
The second set, however, saw a rejuvenated Maaya the World No. 658 and a product of the Rafa Nadal Academy settle into the match. She began reading Shrivalli’s patterns better, absorbing pace and using her improved depth to push the rallies longer.
Despite struggling with her first serve percentage (just 42%), Maaya displayed flashes of her potential breaking back twice after falling behind early. Her court positioning and return accuracy improved significantly, drawing errors from Shrivalli during longer exchanges. At 4-4, the match seemed finely poised, with Maaya showing glimpses of the aggressive shotmaking that earned her a semifinal run at the WTA 125 Mumbai earlier this month. But Shrivalli’s experience and composure proved decisive.
She broke Maaya’s serve at love with a flurry of attacking returns including a stunning backhand down the line before serving out the match with a solid hold at 5-4.
Final score: 6-1, 6-4 in 1 hour and 17 minutes.
The stats painted a clear picture Shrivalli’s superior first-serve efficiency and consistency under pressure made the difference. Maaya’s six double faults were telling, particularly in key moments, while Shrivalli’s ability to win 72% of her second return points reflected how effectively she neutralized Maaya’s weaker second serve.
While Shrivalli’s performance underlined her maturity and tactical clarity, it also highlighted the learning curve awaiting Maaya, who despite being the younger and lower-ranked player, has already shown glimpses of world-class potential. The Chennai native’s recent run at the Mumbai WTA 125 where she upset higher-ranked players en route to the semifinals had raised expectations. However, her serve remains an area in need of improvement, particularly on faster surfaces where consistency is critical.
For Shrivalli, this match was about reaffirming her credentials as one of India’s best all-round players. Her ability to transition from defense to offense seamlessly, her improved net game, and her calmness in closing out tight moments all stood out. With this win, Shrivalli collects 30 WTA ranking points, moving closer to breaking into the top 400. Her next challenge, however, will be a stern one a Round of 16 clash against Australia’s Kimberly Birrell (WTA No. 140).
Birrell, known for her aggressive baseline play and powerful forehand, represents a significant step up in quality. But on these fast Chennai courts, Shrivalli’s serve and net play could once again prove decisive. Meanwhile, for Maaya, this experience though humbling will serve as an important milestone in her young career. Competing in her hometown against a seasoned compatriot in a WTA main draw is a valuable learning opportunity, and given her training base and development path, she remains one of India’s brightest long-term hopes.
Beyond the numbers, Shrivalli’s win was symbolic. It marked a rare instance of two Indian players facing each other in the main draw of a WTA 250 event a reflection of the gradual resurgence of Indian women’s tennis. With Ankita Raina’s experience, Shrivalli’s momentum, and young players like Maaya and Sahaja Yamalapalli emerging, Indian women’s tennis appears to be entering a new growth phase.
For now, though, it’s Shrivalli Bhamidipaty’s moment in Chennai her first WTA 250 victory, achieved on home soil, built on power, poise, and belief.
Final Score: Shrivalli Bhamidipaty (IND) def. Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi (IND) 6-1, 6-4
Next Match: R16 – Shrivalli Bhamidipaty vs Kimberly Birrell (AUS)
