Indian tennis sensation and top-ranked player, Ankita Raina, kicked off her Guimaraes Ladies Open campaign with a decisive 6-1, 6-3 victory over Angelina Voloshchuk in the first round.

Raina, fresh off recent successes, expressed her satisfaction with adapting to the new environment. “It’s a good start,” she said. “Different surface, different club, different conditions, but I felt good. It’s crucial to see what’s working for you, especially with new opponents.”

Despite the one-sided scoreline, Raina revealed the first set was closer than it appeared. “It was very tight, and I struggled to finish it,” she admitted. However, securing the set 6-1 was a turning point, boosting her confidence for the remainder of the match.

The Indian star attributed her strong start in the second set to her doubles match the previous day. “We took a whole set to understand the court and what we needed to do,” she explained. “The last game of the first set was crucial, and I’m glad I managed to take advantage of that in the second.”

Raina maintains her “match by match” approach, acknowledging the unique challenges each opponent presents. “You have to prepare differently depending on who’s across the net,” she emphasized. “It’s about getting into your routine and then adapting on the court, figuring out what’s working for you.”

Raina’s win sets the stage for an exciting tournament run as she continues to impress on the international circuit.