Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jan 22: The Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series is set to make a comeback with its fifth edition, with qualifying matches scheduled for January 30 and 31, followed by the main draw from February 2 at the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) courts in Mumbai.
Over the years, the tournament has grown into one of India’s most prestigious women’s tennis events, attracting top international talent and offering Indian fans a rare opportunity to watch elite players compete live. The event has previously featured some of the biggest names in women’s tennis, including four-time Grand Slam champion and current World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
This year’s edition further strengthens its global stature, with eight players in the main draw ranked inside the world’s top 150, underlining the tournament’s competitive depth and international appeal.
Here’s a look at some of the leading international players expected to feature in this season’s Mumbai Open:
Lulu Sun (New Zealand)
Currently ranked 86 and with a career-best ranking of 39, 24-year-old Lulu Sun has steadily built an impressive résumé. She has competed in all four Grand Slams and made headlines at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships by defeating World No. 8 Zheng Qinwen in the opening round as a qualifier. She followed that up with a memorable win over former US Open champion Emma Raducanu en route to the quarterfinals. Sun was also named to the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1 All-Star Team after an unbeaten run that helped New Zealand reach the play-offs.
Darja Semenistaja (Latvia)
The defending champion returns to Mumbai after lifting the title in 2024 with a thrilling comeback win over Storm Hunter in the final. With a career-high ranking of 87 and a current ranking of 98, Semenistaja has claimed 18 ITF singles titles and continues to progress through consistent performances across surfaces.
Leolia Jeanjean (France)
Ranked 103 in the world, Jeanjean has four ITF singles titles and a career-high ranking of 91. Her breakthrough moment came at the 2022 French Open, where she stunned World No. 8 Karolina Pliskova to reach the third round as a low-ranked entrant. As one of the top-ranked players in the field, she is expected to be a strong contender in Mumbai.
Kimberly Birrell (Australia)
The Australian, who has climbed as high as World No. 60, enters the tournament ranked 76. After battling a long-term injury between 2019 and 2023, Birrell has made an impressive return, featuring in six Grand Slams since her comeback. Her recent highlight came at the 2025 Brisbane International, where she defeated World No. 8 Emma Navarro, signaling a strong return to form.
Joanna Garland (Chinese Taipei)
Born in England and now representing Chinese Taipei, Garland is currently ranked 117, her career best. She has competed in all four Grand Slams since last year and owns 17 ITF singles titles. At this year’s Australian Open, she gained attention by reaching the final of the exhibition-style 1 Point Slam, defeating several high-profile players along the way.
Mananchaya Sawangkaew (Thailand)
Last season’s runner-up, Sawangkaew returns with unfinished business. She reached a career-high ranking of 100 last year and has four ITF singles titles to her name. Despite a recent injury setback, the Thai player has shown resilience and will be eager to challenge for the title this time around.
Arantxa Rus (Netherlands)
A seasoned campaigner, Rus brings vast experience to the tournament. The left-hander achieved a career-high singles ranking of 41 in 2023 and is currently ranked 133. Her career highlights include notable Grand Slam upsets and a WTA singles title at the 2023 Hamburg European Open, along with multiple doubles and WTA 125 titles.
The Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series will conclude after a week of high-quality tennis, with all matches taking place at the MSLTA. Indian players are also expected to feature through wildcard entries, which will be announced ahead of the tournament, adding local flavor to an increasingly global event.