Asian Games 2023: Ankita Raina, Rutuja Bhosale Shine in Pre-Quarters

The 2023 Asian Games, held in China, have been a spectacle of talent and determination, not just from male athletes but from women as well. India's tennis stars, Ankita Raina and Rutuja Bhosale, have etched their names in the tournament's history by storming into the pre-quarterfinals of the singles event.

Asian Games: Who Are Ankita And Rutuja Reaching Pre-Quarterfinals?

Indian tennis players are excelling in the ongoing Asian Games setting a firm foot in the tournament. On Monday, Indian women's tennis players Ankita Raina and Rutuja Bhosale made the nation proud and hopeful for medals in the tournament as the ace players reached the pre-quarterfinals in tennis singles. 

Ankita Raina in her 32 round of match mercilessly defeated Uzbekistan's 17-year-old Sabrina Olimjonova by scoring in continuous two sets and not letting Olimjonova score a single point. Raina mercilessly settled the matter in just 51 minutes, with a score of 6-0, 6-0. This performance showcased her dominance on the court.

However, Rutuja Bhosale struggled to defeat Kazakhsthan's lower-ranked player Aruzhan Sagandykova as the match went on for 2 hours and one minute. The first set, a nail-biting tie-breaker, stretched for over an hour, ending 7-6(2) in 76 minutes. Bhosale then displayed her prowess, dominating the second set with a 6-2 win in just 45 minutes, keeping the audience glued to the game and marking her entrance into the pre-quarterfinals in the tournament. 

Ankita Raina: A Tennis Sensation

30-year-old Ankita Raina, India's no. 1 women's tennis player, is a star with a history of success in the Asian Games. Raina in 2018 secured a bronze in tennis singles in the Asian Games held in Jakarta becoming the second Indian woman after Sania Mirza to win a singles title at the Asian Games. Raina's goal this year is clear: to transform bronze into gold. 

With WTA's current ranking of 180/160 in tennis singles, Raina is the only Indian after Sania Mirza to win a WTA title as she secured a victory in women's doubles. 

Born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and later relocating to Pune, Maharashtra, Ankita Raina's journey began at the age of five. Coached by Hemant Bendrey, she made her professional debut at just 16 years old in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) circuit. Notably, she is the fifth Indian woman to enter a Grand Slam tournament, a testament to her exceptional skills.

Rutuja Bhosale: A Rising Star

27-year-old Bhosale is a former no.1 in the WTA doubles ranking and is one of the top Indian women's tennis players. Her journey in the Asian Games started in 2018, and this year marks her third appearance. Bhosale's entry into the pre-quarterfinals alongside her friend Ankita Raina, whom she affectionately calls "Anki," showcases their camaraderie.

In this year's Asian Games, Bhosale stepped in to represent India in women's singles, substituting the higher-ranked player Karman Kaur Thandi. Her early success is notable, as she made her debut in India's Fed Cup team at the age of 16 and achieved a world junior ranking of no. 55 in the same year (2012). With a current WTA ranking of 333/313 in tennis singles, Bhosale boasts 5 ITF titles in singles and 19 doubles titles in the professional circuit.

Born in Shirampur, Ahmednagar district, and later marrying Maharashtra's Ranji team captain, Swapnil Gugale, in August 2020, Bhosale's journey continues under the guidance of her coach, Hemant Bendrey.

Ankita Raina and Rutuja Bhosale have shown exceptional talent and determination in the Asian Games 2023, securing their spots in the pre-quarterfinals of the women's singles. Their journeys, from early beginnings to their current achievements, inspire hope for India in the tennis arena. 

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