As the tennis season heats up, Mumbai is set to host some of the world’s most promising female athletes at the iconic Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) in Colaba. Whether you’re a die-hard tennis fan or a casual supporter of Indian sports, this tournament is the place to be.
Here is everything you need to know about the WTA 125 L&T Mumbai Open.
Tournament Details at a Glance
- 📅 Qualifying Rounds: 30–31 January 2026
- 📅 Main Draw: 2–8 February 2026
- 📍 Venue: MSLTA, Colaba, Mumbai
- 🎟️ Tickets: Free Entry! You just need to download and print your entry pass from the official MSLTA website.
The Indian Contingent: Who’s in the Main Draw?
Five Indian stars are already confirmed for the singles main draw. While Sahaja Yamalapalli earned her spot through direct entry based on her stellar ranking, four other rising talents have been awarded wildcards.
1. Sahaja Yamalapalli (India No. 1)
As the highest-ranked Indian woman, Sahaja is the spearhead of the local challenge. Known for her consistency and court coverage, she has been in fine form on the ITF circuit and will be looking to capitalize on her direct entry.
2. Shrivalli Bhamidipaty (Wildcard)
A force to be reckoned with, Shrivalli recently won the Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award. Her aggressive baseline game and recent wins against higher-ranked opponents make her a serious threat in the draw.
3. Maaya Rajeshwaran (Wildcard)
At just 16 years old, Maaya is the “wunderkind” of Indian tennis. After a historic semifinal run in the previous edition (the first 2009-born player to do so at this level), all eyes will be on her to see if she can recreate the magic.
4. Vaidehee Chaudhari (Wildcard)
A two-time National Champion, Vaidehee brings experience and grit. She has a knack for grinding out tough matches and thrives in the Mumbai heat.
5. Vaishnavi Adkar (Wildcard)
The Pune-based youngster and World University Games bronze medalist is a hometown favorite. Her steady rise on the professional circuit earns her a well-deserved spotlight in Mumbai.
Who Will Go the Farthest?
While Sahaja Yamalapalli is the favorite based on ranking, Maaya Rajeshwaran is the “X-factor” given her past success at this venue. However, don’t sleep on Shrivalli Bhamidipaty; her high-intensity game is perfectly suited for the hard courts of Mumbai. If one of these athletes can find their rhythm early, a deep run into the quarterfinals or beyond is very much on the cards.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the qualifying rounds starting Saturday, January 31st. Several more Indians are battling for a spot, and a “Qualifier” often has the momentum to cause major upsets in the first round!