-Natashaa Das

The ITF Bowring Institute ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour witnessed a thrilling set of matches on Thursday (November 23) as Zeel Desai, Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty, and Vaishnavi Adkar, all of India, managed to secure wins against high-ranking opponents.

This day of matches saw four prominent seeds knocked out in the pre-quarterfinals, marking a successful day for the Indian contingent.

Zeel Desai’s Remarkable Victory

Zeel Desai scored the most significant win of her career by defeating top seed Nigina Abduraimova of Uzbekistan. Zeel, who was ecstatic about facing the top seed, emerged victorious with straight sets 6-4, 6-4. The match was closely contested, with both players demonstrating flawless shots. Desai managed to break Abduraimova’s serve in the 10th game, winning the first set 6-4. Despite her opponent breaking her serve in the following set, Desai maintained her calm, won four consecutive games, and secured a spot in the quarterfinals.

Triumphs for Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty and Vaishnavi Adkar

Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty and Vaidehi Chaudhary, best friends and doubles partners, displayed exceptional tennis in a match lasting close to three hours. Rashmikaa overcame an initial setback to beat fourth-seeded Chaudhary, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5.

The match featured Rashmikaa’s powerful forehand and Chaudhary’s precise cross-court shots. After losing the first set, Rashmikaa fought back in the following sets, breaking Chaudhary’s serve in the 12th game. The final set witnessed a back-and-forth battle, eventually leading to Rashmikaa’s victory.

Meanwhile, Vaishnavi Adkar registered a win over Thailand’s Punnin Kovapitukted, the eighth seed, with 6-3, 7-6 (1) scoreline. Furthermore, sixth-seeded Jenny Duerst of Switzerland was defeated in straight sets by Antonia Schmidt of Germany, 3-6, 4-6.

Round of 32 Results

The Round of 32 resulted in several impressive performances by Indian players. Vaishnavi Adkar defeated Thailand’s eighth seed, Punnin Kovapitukted, 6-3, 7-6 (1), while Zeel Desai triumphed over the top seed, Nigina Abduraimova of Uzbekistan, 6-4, 6-4. Antonia Schmidt of Germany defeated Jenny Duerst from Switzerland, the sixth seed, 6-3, 6-4. The third seed Rutuja Bhosale secured a win against Pranjala Yadlapalli, 6-4, 6-3, while Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee defeated Suhitha Maruru, 6-1, 6-1.

Conclusion

The ITF Bowring Institute ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour has been a platform for remarkable performances, with the Indian contingent making their mark. Zeel Desai, Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty, and Vaishnavi Adkar have demonstrated their talent and tenacity by overcoming high-ranking opponents. As the tournament progresses, the anticipation of more such gripping encounters increases.

Story first published: Thursday, November 23, 2023, 20:28 [IST]