Meet Ankita Raina: Indian Tennis Player Shines At WTA Veneto Open

On June 17, India's premier women's tennis player, Ankita Raina, showcased her prowess by advancing to the round of 16 at the WTA $125k Veneto Open in Gaiba, Italy. Demonstrating exceptional skill and determination, Raina, currently ranked 263rd, triumphed over the Czech Republic's Dominika Salkova with a decisive 7-5, 6-3 victory in the opening round. 

Raina was formerly the sixth Indian woman tennis player in the Open era to obtain a place in the main draw of a Grand Slam, and she made the cut for the women's doubles event of the Australian Open. Before her, Nirupama Mankad in 1971, Nirupama Vaidyanathan in 1998, Indian-American Shikha Uberoi, and Sania Mirza in 2004 competed in the Grand Slam main draws for the country.

Dominant Performance Against Irina Bara

Raina faced a challenging opponent in the pre-quarterfinals, going head-to-head with Romania's Irina Bara. The match, filled with intense rallies and tactical plays, showcased Raina's strength and strategic acumen. She came out victorious with a scoreline of 6-2, 2-6, 6-0, showing her ability to adapt and conquer under pressure. . 

Key Highlights of the Tournament

1. Impressive Victory Over Irina Bara: Raina’s tactical brilliance was on full display as she secured a commanding 6-2, 2-6, 6-0 win.
2. Upcoming Match Against Susan Bandecchi: Fans eagerly await the Quarter-final clash, anticipating another display of high-quality tennis.
3. WTA Veneto Open Significance: As a WTA 125-level tournament, the Veneto Open is crucial for players aiming to improve their global rankings and gain recognition.

Here Are Seven Things To Know About Ankita Raina

1. Ankita Raina was born in Gujarat and completed her studies from Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce in Pune.

2. Ankita Raina's Women's Tennis Association single's ranking is 180th. Her highest career ranking has been 160th. Ankita's current women's doubles ranking is 119.

3. Raina is a right-handed player. With her recent entry into the main draws of the Australian Open, she is now the second Indian, after Sania Mirza, to compete in the women’s doubles of a tennis major.

4. Ankita Raina trains at PYC Hindu Gymkhana in Pune, where she is coached by Hemant Bendrey.

5. In 2013, she won three singles titles on International Tennis Federation Circuit.

6. In December 2020, Raina won the doubles title at $100 TFK women’s event in Dubai.

7. She has now become the fifth Indian woman to enter the main draw of the Grand Slam.

Upcoming Clash with Susan Bandecchi

The quarter-final match promises to be another riveting contest as Raina prepares to face Susan Bandecchi of Switzerland. Bandecchi, known for her aggressive playstyle and strong court presence, will be a tough competitor. However, Raina's recent performances suggest she is more than ready for the challenge.