The 2026 Mumbai Open WTA 125 series lit up the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association on Wednesday with thrilling matches that set the stage for explosive quarterfinals. Darja Semenistaja, the top seed and defending champion, fought tooth and nail against Mai Hontama, turning the tide after an early setback to win 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) in 1 hour 55 minutes. Her resilience was a masterclass in comeback tennis.
Mei Yamaguchi’s epic endurance test against Yasmin Kabaj spanned 2 hours 40 minutes across three grueling sets. Trailing 4-6 initially, the Japanese ace leveled at 6-4 and clinched the third in a 7-5 tiebreak, propelling her forward. Lioletta Jeanjean, seeded third with a peak ranking of 91, dispatched Miho Kuramochii 6-3, 6-3 effortlessly on center court.
Mananchaya Sawangkeew, runner-up from the previous edition, overwhelmed Misaki Matsuda 6-4, 6-1, underlining her threat level. However, Indian hopes dimmed in doubles as Prarthana Thombare and Elevtina Ibrahimova were swept aside 6-1, 6-1 by the formidable second-seeded pair of Polina Iatcenko and Elena Pridankina, who now eye semifinals.
The final act featured Semenistaja partnering Zuzana Pavlikovska against Hiroko Kuwata and Park So-Hyun, but the latter duo dominated 6-0, 6-4 to advance. With quarterfinal berths locked in by these stars, the Mumbai Open promises intensified rivalries and standout performances ahead.