The AITA ranking tennis tournament, hosted at the prestigious CLTA Complex, witnessed exhilarating matches as the quarterfinals unfolded on Wednesday. Among the highlights was an electrifying performance by Samriti Punyani, who delivered a stunning upset, defeating second-seed Saily Thakkar in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, in the women’s category. The tournament, sponsored by HPCL-Mittal and offering a prize pool of ₹200,000, drew top-tier talent from across the country.
This article delves into the key moments, player performances, and implications of the quarterfinal matches across the men’s and women’s categories.
Women’s Quarterfinals: The Spotlight on Samriti Punyani
Samriti Punyani’s performance against Saily Thakkar was the highlight of the day. Facing a formidable opponent in the second-seeded Thakkar, Punyani entered the match as an underdog. However, she showcased incredible composure, strategic play, and resilience to clinch a straight-sets victory.
First Set: Establishing Dominance
Punyani began the match with aggressive baseline play, forcing Thakkar to move across the court. Her precise forehand winners and well-placed serves allowed her to dictate the pace. Thakkar, known for her consistency, struggled to counter Punyani’s offensive approach. Breaking Thakkar’s serve twice, Punyani closed the first set comfortably at 6-3.
Second Set: Closing the Deal
The second set witnessed a more determined Thakkar, who raised her game to match Punyani’s intensity. However, Punyani’s sharp net play and ability to handle high-pressure situations gave her the edge. A crucial break in the ninth game allowed Punyani to serve out the match, sealing her victory at 6-4.
This win marks a significant milestone for Punyani, propelling her into the semifinals and boosting her AITA ranking. Her remarkable performance underlines her potential to become a rising star in Indian tennis.
Other Women’s Quarterfinal Matches
While Punyani’s upset grabbed headlines, the other women’s quarterfinals also featured impressive displays of skill and determination:
Vidula Amar vs. Suhani Gaur
Top-seed Vidula Amar demonstrated why she’s a favorite to win the tournament with a commanding victory over Suhani Gaur, 6-1, 6-2. Amar’s flawless groundstrokes and consistent serving left little room for Gaur to mount a challenge. With her dominant form, Amar remains the player to beat in the semifinals.
Danica Fernando vs. Lakshmi Gowda
Danica Fernando breezed past Lakshmi Gowda in another one-sided encounter, winning 6-1, 6-1. Fernando’s aggressive approach, combined with her strong court coverage, overwhelmed Gowda, who struggled to find her rhythm throughout the match.
Jeetesh Kumari vs. Sreenidhi Amireddy
In a more competitive match, Jeetesh Kumari defeated Sreenidhi Amireddy, 6-3, 6-3. Kumari’s consistency and ability to capitalize on key points helped her outlast Amireddy in crucial rallies. Kumari now faces a tough challenge in the semifinals, where she will meet a higher-seeded opponent.
Men’s Quarterfinals: Sarthak Suden and Omar Sumar Shine
The men’s quarterfinals also showcased exceptional tennis, with top contenders asserting their dominance:
Sarthak Suden vs. Vansh Yadav
Sarthak Suden delivered a clinical performance against Vansh Yadav, winning 6-1, 6-2. Suden’s powerful serves and aggressive returns left Yadav scrambling to keep up. The match highlighted Suden’s readiness to contend for the title, as he remains a strong favorite heading into the semifinals.
Omar Sumar vs. Mayank Yadav
In one of the day’s most closely contested matches, Omar Sumar edged past Mayank Yadav with a hard-fought 7-5, 7-5 victory. Both players displayed exceptional endurance and skill, but Sumar’s ability to stay composed during crucial points made the difference. His win sets up an exciting semifinal clash.
Keshav Dangi vs. Sourav Kumar Yadav
Keshav Dangi dominated his match against Sourav Kumar Yadav, winning 6-0, 6-2. Dangi’s precision and tactical play left no room for Sourav to make a comeback. With this commanding victory, Dangi has established himself as a strong contender in the tournament.
Moksh Puri vs. Anshumat Srivastava
Moksh Puri secured a straightforward 6-2, 6-2 victory over Anshumat Srivastava. Puri’s consistent baseline game and well-timed net approaches kept Srivastava on the defensive throughout the match.
Key Takeaways from the Quarterfinals
- Emerging Talent on Display: The quarterfinals highlighted the depth of talent in Indian tennis, with players like Samriti Punyani and Sarthak Suden making strong cases for their potential to rise in the rankings.
- Upsets Add Excitement: Punyani’s victory over second-seed Saily Thakkar injected excitement into the women’s draw, proving that rankings are not always indicative of match outcomes.
- Top Seeds Hold Their Ground: While there were surprises, top-seeded players like Vidula Amar and Sarthak Suden showcased their dominance, setting the stage for thrilling semifinal matches.
- Close Contests in Men’s Category: Matches like Omar Sumar vs. Mayank Yadav demonstrated the competitive spirit and resilience of the participants, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
Looking Ahead: Semifinal Previews
Women’s Semifinals
- Samriti Punyani vs. Vidula Amar: Punyani faces her toughest challenge yet against top-seed Amar. With both players in excellent form, this promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
- Danica Fernando vs. Jeetesh Kumari: Fernando’s aggressive style will be tested against Kumari’s consistency in a battle of contrasting approaches.
Men’s Semifinals
- Sarthak Suden vs. Omar Sumar: Suden’s powerful game will meet Sumar’s resilience in what could be the marquee match of the men’s draw.
- Keshav Dangi vs. Moksh Puri: Both players have displayed dominance in earlier rounds, making this a must-watch contest.
Conclusion
The HPCL-Mittal ₹200,000 AITA ranking tennis tournament has already delivered gripping matches and remarkable performances, with the quarterfinals setting a high bar for the remainder of the event. Samriti Punyani’s upset of Saily Thakkar stands out as a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of tennis.
As the tournament progresses to the semifinals, fans can look forward to intense battles, exceptional skill, and the emergence of future stars in Indian tennis. Will the top seeds continue their march to the finals, or will underdogs like Punyani and Sumar rewrite the script? All eyes will be on the CLTA Complex as the action unfolds.
