Mumbai: Storm Hunter, the Australian left-hander and former world number one doubles player, secured a spot in the final of the WTA125K Series L&T Mumbai Open after a hard-fought victory over eighth seed Katie Volynets. The semifinal match at the Cricket Club of India ended with a 6-4, 7-6 (4) win for Hunter. Her opponent in the final will be Latvian sixth seed Darja Semenistaja, who defeated Arianne Hartono in the second semifinal.
Hunter’s journey to the semifinals was relatively smooth, with her opponents either retiring or withdrawing from the tournament. However, her match against Volynets proved to be a test of skill and resilience. Despite losing momentum and allowing Volynets to draw level in the sixth game, Hunter showcased her powerful serve and forehand to close out the first set with a second serve ace. In the second set, Volynets raced to a commanding 5-0 lead, but Hunter staged a remarkable comeback, winning six consecutive games to secure victory in straight sets.
Reflecting on her first visit to India, Hunter acknowledged the buzz surrounding tennis in the country following Rohan Bopanna’s recent success at the Australian Open. She expressed her happiness for Bopanna and recognized the positive impact his achievements have had on Indian tennis.
In the doubles event, Indian player Prarthana Thombare and her partner Arianne Hartono advanced to the final after defeating Zhibek Kulambayeva and Sohyun Park. They will face second seeds Dalila Jakupovic and Sabrina Santamaria in the title clash.
The Mumbai Open has witnessed an exciting display of tennis, with players from around the globe showcasing their skills on the court. The final promises to be a thrilling encounter as Hunter and Semenistaja, both left-handed players, battle for the championship title. Tennis enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing an intense and captivating match.
The Mumbai Open has not only provided top-notch entertainment for tennis fans but has also highlighted the growing popularity of the sport in India. With notable achievements and rising stars, Indian tennis is on an upward trajectory, garnering attention and admiration from fans worldwide.
As the tournament reaches its climax, all eyes will be on the momentous final. Will Storm Hunter continue her dominant performance and claim the championship, or will Darja Semenistaja upset the odds? Tennis enthusiasts eagerly await the answer as the WTA125K Series L&T Mumbai Open comes to an exhilarating conclusion.
