Mumbai, Jan 22 (NationPress) The Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series is set to return for its fifth edition, kicking off with the qualifying rounds on January 30, followed by the main draw commencing on February 2 at the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) in Mumbai.

This tournament has positioned itself as one of India’s premier women’s tennis events, showcasing elite international athletes including the four-time Grand Slam champion and current World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

This season features eight players from the main draw who are ranked within the top 150 globally, further solidifying the tournament’s standing as a significant event on the global tennis stage. Additionally, it offers Indian fans a unique opportunity to witness top-tier women’s tennis live in action.

Before the tournament kicks off, let’s take a look at some of the standout international players competing in this year's Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series:

Lulu Sun

The New Zealand tennis talent, currently ranked 86, has achieved a career-high ranking of 39. At just 24 years old, she has amassed considerable experience in all four Grand Slam events. A highlight of her career came during the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, where she triumphed over World No. 8 Zheng Qinwen in the first round with a score of 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. This win marked her inaugural victory against a Top 10 player and facilitated her journey to the quarterfinals as a qualifier. Furthermore, she also defeated former US Open champion Emma Raducanu in a thrilling fourth-round match. Last year, her exceptional performances in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1 earned her a spot on the All-Star Team, remaining unbeaten in both singles and doubles.

Darja Semenistaja

The Latvian tennis star and 2024 champion of the Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series returns this year after a stunning comeback in the final, where she overcame Storm Hunter from Australia with scores of 5-7, 7-6, 6-2. With a career-high ranking of 87 and currently positioned at 98, she boasts 18 ITF Singles titles and continues to enhance her ranking through consistent performances on clay and hard courts.

Leolia Jeanjean

Currently sitting at 103, French player Leolia Jeanjean has celebrated four ITF Singles titles. With a previous career-high ranking of 91, she has also competed in all four Grand Slam tournaments. Her most notable achievement was at the 2022 Roland Garros, where she defeated World No. 8 Karolina Pliskova in the second round, advancing to the third round as the lowest-ranked player to defeat a Top 10 opponent since 1988.

Kimberly Birrell

This German-born Australian athlete has reached a career-high ranking of 60 and secured seven ITF Singles titles. After a long-term injury from 2019 to 2023, her remarkable comeback includes participation in six Grand Slam tournaments post-recovery, with a notable victory at the 2025 Brisbane International.

Joanna Garland

As the top-ranked singles player from Chinese Taipei, Joanna Garland currently stands at 117th worldwide, her highest ranking to date. Competing in all Grand Slam tournaments since last year, she reached the final of the unique 1 Point Slam at this year's Australian Open, defeating esteemed players like Alexander Zverev and Maria Sakkari. With 17 ITF singles titles, the 24-year-old is eager to expand her achievements further.

Mananchaya Sawangkaew

After finishing as the runner-up in last season’s Mumbai Open 125K Series, Mananchaya Sawangkaew returns with ambitions of securing the title this time. She qualified for the Singapore main draw in 2025 but was forced to withdraw due to injury. Now ranked 197, she aims to add to her four ITF singles titles.

Arantxa Rus

With a career-high ranking of 41 achieved in August 2023, Dutch left-hander Arantxa Rus currently competes with a ranking of 133. As a seasoned competitor with over a decade of professional experience, she has participated in Grand Slams and WTA events. Her notable victories include an upset over Kim Clijsters in 2011 and a WTA singles title at the 2023 Hamburg European Open.

The fifth edition of the Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series will commence with qualifying rounds on January 30 and 31, followed by the main draw starting on February 2 at the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA). Indian players will also have the opportunity to compete through wildcard entries, which will be finalized before the tournament begins.