Ankita Raina Wins $100k TFK Title In Dubai, Climbs 117th Doubles Ranking

Tennis player, Ankita Ravinderkrishan Raina reached her career-high 117th doubles ranking by winning the doubles title at $100 TFK women's event in Dubai on Friday. Her partner was Georgian tennis player Ekaterine Gorgodze. The duo won the match against Kaja Juvan of Slovenia and Moldovan-Spanish player Bolsova Zadoinov.

In a match that lasted for one hour and 19 minutes, the Raina and Gorgodze were able to grab the win in the last tiebreaker with the scores 6-4, 3-6, and <10-6>. The match was reported to be a close one. The Indo-Georgian duo had earlier beaten Heather Watson and Anna Blinkova in another three-set match with scores, 6-7(1), 6-3, and <10-2>. In the singles match, Raina lost the fight with fifth seed veteran Katerina Siniakova by 6-1, 2-6 and2-6.

Raina after winning this doubles added to her other 17 doubles victories in the ITF circuit. She is India's number one ranking singles player in women's category as she has won 11 singles till date.

Raina has also won one WTA 125k in doubles. In the top 200 singles ranking, she is only the fifth player representing India. She was a gold medalist in women's singles and mixed doubles events at the 2016 South Asian Games. In 2018, she was able to get a bronze medal in singles at the same tournament. In 2020 itself, Raina has been able to win two ITF titles both in Thailand.

Also Read: Serena Williams Withdraws From Italian Open Citing Achilles Injury

Raina is a baseliner who is seen to rely on her speed. She can manage topspin on her forehand and backhand. This is she able to hit in all directions. She has had an impressive record in keeping her baseline consistency. Born in Ahmedabad, Gujrat, she started playing tennis at the tender age of five.

Her former coach Hemant Bendrey had said, " There are many players more talented than her but her hard work stood out." Many of her fans believe that she will be the next tennis player to win India a Grand Slam.