A huge cry of ‘vamos’ echoed around the court while the fans, who had gathered to rally behind 15-year-old Maaya Rajeshwaran, looked on in disbelief. Soon, the silence was broken by a big round of applause. Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann defeated India’s rising star 6-3, 6-1 to seal her spot in the summit clash of the L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125 at the Cricket Club of India here on Saturday.
The 27-year-old Swiss left-hander got off to a quick start and put Maaya on the defensive. She broke serve in the second game and dominated with aggressive net play and measured drop shots.
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The Indian teen displayed flashes of brilliance, which included a stunning backhand down the line winner. However, couldn’t keep pace.
Teichmann, a former World No. 21, jumped to a 4-0 lead and held off Maaya, who fought back bravely. She sealed the first set with a blistering forehand winner.
In the second set, it was one-way traffic as errors crept into Maaya’s game and the number five seed had no trouble in closing it out.
It was a campaign to remember for Maaya, who entered the tournament in the qualifiers after receiving a wild card. Thanks to her performances this week, she will break into the top 700, making her the youngest Indian to earn a WTA ranking.
Other results (Semifinals):
Singles: Mananchaya Sawangkaew (Tha) bt Rebecca Marino (Canada) 6-2, 6-2
Doubles: Amina Anshba (Russia) & Elena Pridankina (Russia) bt. Camilla Rosatello (Italy) & Nicole Fossa Huergo (Itay) 4-6, 6-3, [10-3]
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com