Tennis Premier League Stars Shine in Gujarat Battles
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Gujarat Panthers register first win; Yash Mumbai Eagles gain momentum on day three of TPL7
Yash Mumbai Eagles and Gujarat Panthers registered wins on day three of the Tennis Premier League (TPL) Season 7, powered by Clear Premium Water. The first half of the day witnessed incredible action at the Gujarat University Tennis Stadium on Thursday.
The Tennis Premier League has grown into one of India’s most exciting tennis competitions. Every season draws big crowds because fans get a chance to see Indian players compete alongside well-known international talent. Ahmedabad has become a key venue for the league as the city now hosts many national sports events.
Yash Mumbai Eagles and Hyderabad Strikers got the proceedings underway on day three. Carole Monnet got the Strikers off to an ideal start with a 16-9 win against Riya Bhatia in the Women’s Singles match. However, Riya Bhatia and Niki Poonacha fought back with a 15-10 win against Carole Monnet and Vishnu Vardhan in the Mixed Doubles.
Carole Monnet has been a consistent performer in global ITF and WTA events, known for her strong baseline game. Riya Bhatia, one of India’s top women’s players, has represented the country in the Billie Jean King Cup, which gives her experience in handling high-pressure matches. Mixed Doubles has always been a strong area for Indian teams because many players train together in domestic circuits.
In the Men’s Singles category, Damir Dzumhur registered his first win of the tournament, overpowering Pedro Martinez 16-9. The duo of Vishnu Vardhan and Pedro Martinez did clinch a 13-12 against Damir Dzumhur and Niki Poonacha, but it wasn’t enough as Yash Mumbai Eagles prevailed 52-48.
Damir Dzumhur is a former top-25 ATP player and is known for his speed and court coverage. His presence in the league helps raise the standard for young Indian players watching from the stands and TV. Pedro Martinez, who has had strong performances on the ATP Tour, brought high-quality tennis to the match, making the contest exciting. Doubles matches in TPL often turn into nail-biters because every point counts towards the final team score.
In the second match of the day, Gujarat Panthers battled it out against Rajasthan Rangers. In the Women’s Singles, Ekaterina Kazionova registered a commanding 16-9 win against Nuria Brancaccio. Ekaterina Kazionova then teamed up with Dhakshineswar Suresh in the Mixed Doubles, clinching a 13-12 win against the pair of Nuria Brancaccio and Anirudh Chandrasekar, putting Rajasthan Rangers in the driver’s seat.
Ekaterina Kazionova has been part of several international events and is known for her attacking game. Nuria Brancaccio, an Italian player ranked inside the top 200, has built a solid profile in Europe. Dhakshineswar Suresh is one of India’s rising youngsters, gaining attention on the national circuit for his strong serve and quick movement. TPL often gives young Indian players a chance to play alongside experienced names, helping them grow faster.
In the Men’s Singles encounter, two top 50 players went head-to-head. Alexandre Müller, ranked 46 in the world, delivered a clinic to win 17-8 against world no. 26 Luciano Darderi. Alexandre Müller and Anirudh Chandrasekar won 14-11 against Dhakshineswar Suresh and Luciano Darderi in the Men’s Doubles, completing a 52-48 comeback win for Gujarat Panthers, giving them their first win this season.
Alexandre Müller’s recent performances on the ATP Tour have earned him a place among the world’s top players. Luciano Darderi, known for his powerful forehand, has won ATP titles and is considered one of the most exciting young talents. Anirudh Chandrasekar is one of India’s top doubles specialists, competing regularly on the ATP Challenger Tour. The close scorelines in TPL show how even a small margin can change the course of a match.
The second half of the day witnessed Rohan Bopanna’s SG Pipers take on the Chennai Smashers. Gurgaon Grand Slammers and GS Delhi Aces rounded up the day’s action in Ahmedabad.
Rohan Bopanna, a Grand Slam champion and Davis Cup veteran, has been a big supporter of Indian tennis leagues. His involvement brings star value as well as guidance for younger players. Teams like Chennai Smashers, GS Delhi Aces, and Gurgaon Grand Slammers feature a mix of youth and experience, making TPL a platform that brings together players from different parts of India.
Tennis Premier League is Asia’s biggest tennis league, showcasing India’s top talent alongside international tennis stars. Supported by tennis legends like Leander Paes, Sania Mirza, and Mahesh Bhupathi (CEO of SG Pipers), along with Bollywood icons such as Rakul Preet Singh and Sonali Bendre Behl, TPL brings together sports, entertainment, and business leaders in a unique blend of competition and engagement.
TPL has helped introduce tennis to new audiences in India. With live broadcasting, celebrity ownership, and high-quality matches, the league has become an important part of India’s growing sports culture. It also helps young players learn from global stars, making it a strong developmental platform for future champions.