Vaishnavi Adkar Reaches Historic W100 Singles Final

Indian tennis has found a new rising star in 21-year-old Vaishnavi Adkar, who became the first Indian woman since 2009 to reach the singles final of a W100 event. The Pune-born player achieved the milestone at the ITF Women’s Open in Bengaluru, marking a significant breakthrough for Indian women’s tennis.

Historic Run at Bengaluru W100

Entering the tournament as a wildcard and ranked World No. 690, Adkar stunned higher-ranked opponents to reach the final. She eventually finished runner-up after losing 6-0, 6-1 to Belgium’s World No. 124 Hanne Vandewinkel.

Despite the one-sided final, Adkar earned 65 WTA ranking points and $8,147 in prize money. Her performance has propelled her live ranking up by more than 200 places to around World No. 466, reflecting a major leap in her career trajectory.

She became the first Indian woman to reach a W100 or higher singles final since Sania Mirza accomplished the feat in 2009.

Journey from Pune to International Stage

Born on December 14, 2004, in Pune, Adkar began playing tennis at the age of seven. She steadily climbed the junior ranks, achieving an ITF junior ranking of No. 115 and becoming India’s No. 1 Under-14 player.

Her 2025 season proved particularly impressive. She won the Fenesta Women’s Nationals and secured a bronze medal at the 2025 World University Games, ending India’s 46-year medal drought at the event.

Coaching, Mentorship and Playing Style

Adkar trains under coach Kedar Shah at the Bounce Tennis Academy and has been mentored by Grand Slam champion Rohan Bopanna. Known for her composure and powerful backhand, she credited confidence and tactical planning for her strong run in Bengaluru.

Her performances have boosted her self-belief after what she described as a challenging previous year. She has also expressed hope of making India’s team for the upcoming Fed Cup in April.

Important Facts for Exams

• ITF W100 events are part of the Women’s World Tennis Tour circuit.
• WTA ranking points determine global professional tennis standings.
• Fenesta Nationals is a major domestic tennis championship in India.
• The Fed Cup, now called the Billie Jean King Cup, is the premier international team competition in women’s tennis.

New Chapter for Indian Women’s Tennis

Vaishnavi Adkar’s run to the W100 final signals renewed promise for Indian women’s singles tennis. Her rapid rise in rankings and strong international performances indicate the emergence of a new contender on the global stage, reviving hopes of sustained success after the Sania Mirza era.