Day 2 at the Women’s Tennis Association 250 Chennai Open

Riyah Dugar

On Tuesday, 13 September Ankita Raina bowed out of the Chennai Open with a bagel, a stick and a tennis lesson. The women’s India’s No 1 was at a loss of words against the confusing Tatjana Maria from Germany and suffered a 6-0,6-1 loss.

Entering centre court in Chennai, the crowds roared for her, excited and looking forward to a thriller of a match and hoping for another upset like her compatriot Karman Thandi. Winning only 42% of her first serve points, Ankita didn’t have a chance against the unorthodox slice of Maria. The hopes of a “good match” being crushed for several people, the crowds started to dissipate early in the match.

Maria dominated her service games and had an easy time against Ankita’s weak serve. The Indian looked forlorn and not quite “in the zone” through the match.

Maria was the Wimbledon finalist this year, therefore it was not an easy task for Ankita. However, she didn’t take advantage of the opportunities she got, crumbling under pressure.

Locals and tennis fans from across the country were disappointed. However, their hopes are still intact for Karman Thandi, India’s No 2 and wildcard who pulled a major upset on centre court against French, Chloe Paquet.

She will be playing for a spot in the Quarter Finals against Canadian, Eugenie Bouchard. Genie is a former World No 7, who reached the Wimbledon Finals in 2014 and has made multiple Grand Slam Semifinals.

Although it’s going to be a task for Karman, Chennai has their hopes high!

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