Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Nov 08: Chennai continued its tradition of being a city of firsts for Indian tennis as Vaishnavi Adkar and Rutuja Bhosale made history by becoming the first all-Indian pair to reach a WTA 250 doubles final at the Chennai Open. The Indian duo defeated second seeds Weronika Falkowska of Poland and Alana Smith of the USA 6-2, 2-6, [10-8] in a gripping semi-final at the SDAT Tennis Stadium here on Saturday.
Adkar and Bhosale made a strong start to the semi-final, taking the opening set 6-2 with two breaks of serve to establish control. However, Falkowska and Smith fought back in the second set, breaking the Indian pair twice to level the match at one set apiece.
With a place in the final at stake, the contest went into a deciding match tie-break, where the Indian duo held their nerve to seal the victory and make history. It is 21-year-old Adkar's first appearance in a Chennai Open doubles final, while Bhosale, has progressed one step further than her semi-final finish at last year's edition.
Reflecting on their maiden WTA final together, 30-year-old Bhosale said, “It’s really special. The last time, I lost in the semi-finals, but that was a breakthrough moment for me. This time, I knew we had a tough opponent in the semi-finals. Making our first WTA final together, especially with Vaish, feels surreal.”
Adkar spoke about how the partnership came together and the significance of reaching her first WTA final.
“I was surprised when Rutuja asked me to partner her for doubles. It has always been fun sharing the court with her, and I’m really glad that I’ve reached my first WTA final,” said Adkar.
Chennai has a rich history of providing Indian players with breakthrough moments. The city's contribution to Indian tennis dates back to 1997, when the tournament was known as the Gold Flake Open and was part of the ATP World Series, the predecessor to the present-day ATP 250 category. It was here that legendary pair of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi won their first ATP Tour doubles title together. The pair went on to win the Chennai title again in 1998 and 1999, and reached the world No. 1 ranking in doubles in 1999.
Other Indian players have also marked important career milestones in Chennai. Former world no. 1 Rohan Bopanna reached his first ATP-level doubles final in 2006, partnering Prakash Amritraj. Somdev Devvarman reached his first Chennai Open singles final in 2009, while Ramkumar Ramanathan made his first ATP 250-level singles quarter-final appearance at the tournament in 2016.
This year saw 17-year-old Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi reach the singles quarter-finals, becoming the first Indian since Sania Mirza in 2012 to achieve the feat. Adkar and Bhosale have now added the first all-Indian WTA 250 doubles final to that list.
In the women's singles, defending champion and top seed Janice Tjen continued her impressive title defence, defeating Robin Montgomery 6-3, 6-4 to book her place in a second consecutive Chennai Open final.
The 24-year-old Indonesian produced a commanding performance in one hour and 23 minutes, remaining composed throughout and executing her game plan with precision. She struck six aces and 22 winners, compared to 22-year-old American’s one ace and 17 winners. Tjen also converted three of her six break-point opportunities and won 64 points, while Montgomery managed 49.
Speaking after the victory, Tjen reflected on her growing connection with India and the significance of returning to the final after a tough year.
“I can’t lie, it really is becoming a second home. To be back in the final, especially after a tough year, means a lot. Being able to reach another final here is an amazing feeling.”
Asked about her Diwali plans ahead of Sunday's final, Tjen said recovery would take priority.
“Recovery is the first priority. We’ll see tomorrow if we have some time to celebrate.”
Tjen will face third seed Magda Linette of Poland in Sunday's singles final. Linette booked her place in the title clash with a 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 comeback win over seventh seed Anastasia Zakharova.
The Chennai Open concludes on Sunday, November 8, with the singles and doubles finals.
WOMEN’S SINGLES – SEMI-FINAL RESULTS
[1] Janice Tjen (INA) def. Robin Montgomery (USA) 6-3, 6-4
[3] Magda Linette (POL) def. [7] Anastasia Zakharova 2-6, 6-2, 6-3
WOMEN’S DOUBLES – SEMI-FINAL RESULTS
Vaishnavi Adkar (IND) / Rutuja Bhosale (IND) def. [2] Weronika Falkowska (POL) / Alana Smith (USA) 6-2, 2-6 [10-8]
Naima Karamoko (SUI)/ Simona Waltert (SUI) def. Isabelle Haverlag (NED)/ Panna Udvardy (HUN) 6-4 6-4
