India's Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi, 17, became the youngest Indian woman to win a W35 singles title at the W35 Lagos tournament in Nigeria on 11 October 2026, breaking a record held by Sania Mirza for 22 years. The teenager completed a stunning double triumph — clinching both the singles and doubles crowns — without dropping a set in the singles main draw, announcing herself emphatically on the professional circuit.

How the Title Run Unfolded

Ranked world No. 1038 entering the tournament, Maaya came through qualifying before toppling top seed Justina Mikulskyte in the first round in a remarkable comeback from 0-5 down in the opening set, eventually winning 7-5, 6-1. She continued to beat higher-ranked opponents across the draw before defeating Spain's Celia Cervino Ruiz 6-4, 6-2 in the final.

In doubles, she partnered Ukraine's Yelyzaveta Kotliar to the title, winning the final 0-6, 6-2, 10-7 over China's Min Liu and Italy's Carlotta Moccia. The double triumph in Lagos marks her first professional titles on the senior circuit.

Maaya on Sania Mirza: 'She'll Always Remain a Legend'

Despite breaking Mirza's long-standing age record, Maaya was quick to deflect comparisons with the former world No. 1 doubles player and Grand Slam champion. 'I don't think you can actually surpass her, you know, because she's a legend and she'll always remain a legend,' Maaya said in a virtual media interaction. She described Mirza as the idol who made tennis visible in India and said she continues to follow the icon's podcasts and interviews, hoping to someday speak with her at length.

The Mikulskyte Comeback and the Clock Story

Maaya's first-round recovery from 0-5 in the opening set against the top seed became the tournament's defining moment. She credited an unusual mental trigger — glancing at a courtside clock and refusing to concede a set within 25 minutes — for keeping her competitive. 'The first thing that came into my mind is I'm not losing a set in 25 minutes. So I just tried to stay... play one point at a time,' she recalled. The set eventually went her way 7-5, and the momentum carried her to a 6-1 second set.

Training Background: Rafa Nadal Academy and ETC

Maaya, who previously trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy, left the facility around the time of the US Open and has since joined the Elite Tennis Centre (ETC) in the south of France. She credited time spent with Toni Nadal — Rafael Nadal's uncle and former coach — during the summer of the previous year as a valuable learning experience, noting his ability to share insights ahead of Grand Slam appearances. She described Rafael Nadal himself as an inspiring presence whose motivation resonated with young players before major events.

What Comes Next

Maaya acknowledged that her junior Grand Slam performances in 2026 had fallen short of her own expectations, but said she intends to use those setbacks as learning material rather than dwell on results. She plans to increase her presence at professional tournaments alongside the junior Grand Slams, with an eye on improving her ranking to access bigger draws. She is also open to competing at the Chennai Open if a wild card is extended. For now, she says, the confidence built in Lagos is the most important thing she is carrying forward.