India’s Vaishnavi Adkar and Rutuja Bhosale scripted history at the Chennai Open on Saturday, becoming the first all-Indian women’s pair to reach a doubles final at the main WTA Tour level. The duo defeated second seeds Weronika Falkowska of Poland and Alana Smith of the USA 6-2, 2-6, 10-8 in a hard-fought semifinal.The Indian pair started strongly but lost their rhythm in the second set.However, they showed great determination in the deciding super tie-break to seal the memorable victory in front of the home crowd.
A historic achievement for Indian tennis
No all-Indian women’s combination had previously reached a final at the main WTA Tour level. While Shikha Uberoi and her sister Neha reached finals in 2005, Neha represented the USA at the time.Former Indian star Sania Mirza also enjoyed tremendous success in doubles, winning 43 titles, but never achieved those victories with an Indian partner.Ankita Raina and Karman Thandi won a WTA 125 doubles title in 2018, but that tournament belongs to a level below the main Tour.Adkar and Bhosale will now face Swiss pair Naima Karamoko and Simona Waltert in the final. The Swiss duo booked their place after defeating Isabelle Haverlag and Panna Udvardy 6-4, 6-4.
How the Indians pulled off the victory
Adkar and Bhosale dominated the opening set, taking a 4-1 lead by making the most of their opponents’ mistakes before winning it 6-2.However, Falkowska and Smith bounced back in the second set, taking advantage of missed break opportunities and errors from the Indian pair to win it 6-2 and force a decider.The super tie-break was equally tense, with the opponents opening up a 3-0 lead. The Indians fought back despite trailing 6-8, with Bhosale producing a crucial forehand winner before Adkar delivered a winning volley to earn match point. She then sealed the contest with a brilliant forehand down the line, completing the historic 10-8 victory.Meanwhile, top seed and defending champion Janice Tjen defeated Robin Montgomery 6-3, 6-4 to enter the women’s singles final. Third seed Magda Linette also advanced after beating Anastasia Zakharova 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.
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