Vaishnavi Adkar Clinches ITF W35 Kalaburagi Title with Gritty Win over Ankita Raina Indian star crowns a remarkable week with a hard-fought victory in an all-Indian final on International Women’s Day Adkar Triumphs in Thrilling All-Indian Final

 

Vaishnavi Adkar Clinches ITF W35 Kalaburagi Title with Gritty Win over Ankita Raina

Indian star crowns a remarkable week with a hard-fought victory in an all-Indian final on International Women’s Day

Adkar Triumphs in Thrilling All-Indian Final

Kalaburagi : India’s Vaishnavi Adkar delivered a determined performance to defeat compatriot Ankita Raina and capture the ITF W35 Kalaburagi singles title at the Chandrashekhar Patil Stadium on Sunday. In a closely fought final played on International Women’s Day, the third seed secured a 7-6(3), 6-4 victory to lift the trophy. The win earned Adkar 35 WTA ranking points along with USD 4,860 in prize money, while runner-up Ankita Raina received 23 ranking points and USD 2,637.

 

Adkar Reflects on a Memorable Week

Following her triumph, Vaishnavi Adkar described the victory as a proud moment after battling through challenging conditions. She acknowledged the experience of playing against Ankita Raina, whom she has admired since childhood. Adkar said competing against Raina and partnering with her in doubles during the tournament was a special experience, adding that she knew Raina would fight for every point and therefore remained focused and determined throughout the match.

 

Strong Start and Shifting Momentum in First Set

Adkar began the match confidently, striking clean winners from both wings to create early break opportunities. She broke Raina’s serve in the opening game and consolidated the advantage with a comfortable hold to lead 2-0. However, Ankita Raina gradually found her rhythm, using the full width of the court to break back and level the score at 2-2.

 

The contest quickly turned into a tactical battle, with both players exchanging breaks and holding firm during tight rallies. Adkar mixed aggressive returns with clever drop shots to disrupt Raina’s rhythm. After several closely contested games, Raina forced the set into a tie-break. In the breaker, Adkar surged ahead with confident shot-making to take a 3-0 lead, eventually closing the set 7-6(3).

 

Adkar Holds Nerve to Seal the Title

The second set continued with dramatic momentum swings. Raina broke early, but Adkar responded immediately to restore parity. Both players displayed resilience, trading breaks and pushing each other in long rallies.

 

A crucial moment came in the sixth game when Adkar’s powerful backhand returns helped her break serve to move 4-2 ahead. Although Raina fought back once more, Adkar held her nerve in the closing stages. She served confidently to lead 5-4 and then capitalised on a couple of errors from Raina to earn three break points. Converting the opportunity, Adkar sealed the set 6-4 and secured the championship.

 

With this victory, Vaishnavi Adkar capped off an outstanding week in Kalaburagi, reinforcing her status as one of India’s rising stars in women’s tennis.