India’s Sahaja Yamalapalli delivered a composed yet resilient performance to book her place in the Round of 16 at the KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open W100 Bengaluru 2026, while Ankita Raina and her Indonesian partner Priska Madelyn Nugroho advanced comfortably in the doubles draw with a commanding straight-sets win.
On a day that saw fluctuating momentum and high-quality baseline exchanges at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium, Yamalapalli emerged as one of the standout performers in singles action.
Yamalapalli Shows Composure in Three-Set Test
Facing Korea’s Dayeon Back, Yamalapalli started assertively, taking control of rallies from the outset. She struck the ball cleanly from both wings, frequently stepping inside the baseline to dictate pace and direction. Her willingness to move forward and finish points at the net added variety to her attack, allowing her to secure the opening set 6-2 with authority.
However, the match took a sharp turn in the second set. A dip in consistency crept into the Indian’s game, with unforced errors disrupting her rhythm. Back capitalised efficiently, breaking serve early and maintaining pressure through extended rallies. Yamalapalli struggled to regain control as the Korean levelled the contest 6-1.
The deciding set demanded composure, and Yamalapalli responded with maturity. Locked at 2-2, she tightened her shot selection, reduced risk from the baseline, and began constructing points more patiently. The shift in discipline paid dividends as she reeled off four consecutive games, sealing a 6-2, 1-6, 6-2 victory to advance into the last 16.
It was a performance that highlighted both her attacking capabilities and her growing ability to reset under pressure qualities that will be crucial as the tournament progresses.
Raina and Nugroho Dominate in Doubles
In doubles action, third seeds Ankita Raina and Priska Madelyn Nugroho produced a confident display to defeat Poland’s Zuzanna Pawlikow and India’s Vasanti Shinde 6-4, 6-1. The opening set was closely contested, with both pairs holding serve through nine games. At 5-4, Raina elevated her intensity on return, unleashing aggressive, deep returns that disrupted Pawlikow and Shinde’s rhythm. The pressure culminated in a crucial break that handed the Indo-Indonesian pair the first set 6-4.
Buoyed by that breakthrough, Raina and Nugroho shifted gears in the second set. An early break established immediate control, and their dominance at the net began to tell. Quick reflexes, sharp angles, and consistent first serves allowed them to dictate play, while their opponents struggled to respond to the sustained aggression.
The pair raced through the set 6-1, closing out the match with efficiency and reinforcing their status as serious contenders in the doubles draw.
Strong Indian Presence Across Draws
Elsewhere in singles, the all-Indian wildcard clash between Vaishnavi Adkar and Shruti Ahlawat delivered competitive tennis. Adkar prevailed 6-1, 7-6(6), negotiating a tighter second set after dominating the opener. Eighth seed Mai Hontama of Japan advanced with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Italy’s Diletta Cherubini, while Erika Andreeva progressed after Argentina’s Nicole Fossa Huergo retired with Andreeva leading 7-6(12), 1-0.
In doubles, India enjoyed further success. The pairing of Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty and Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi secured a convincing 6-1, 6-3 win over compatriots Harshini N Nagaraj and Vanshita Pathania, showcasing clean baseline hitting and coordinated net play. Meanwhile, the Japanese duo of Misaki Matsuda and Eri Shimizu defeated Polina Bakhmutkina and Maria Golovina 6-4, 6-2, while fourth seeds Dayeon Back and Sohyun Park eliminated the Indian team of Akanksha Dileep Nitture and Soha Sadiq 6-2, 6-1.
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With the tournament entering its decisive stages, Indian players continue to make their presence felt across both singles and doubles draws. Yamalapalli’s hard-fought progression underlined the depth of talent in the women’s circuit, while Raina’s composed performance in doubles reinforced her experience at the W100 level.
As the competition intensifies, consistency and tactical clarity will become increasingly important. For now, Bengaluru has witnessed encouraging signs from its home contingent, with Yamalapalli leading the singles charge and Raina anchoring a strong doubles campaign.
The KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open W100 Bengaluru continues to deliver competitive matchups and compelling narratives, with Indian hopes firmly alive heading into the next round.
