Mumbai, Feb 6 (NationPress) Seventeen-year-old Lilli Tagger achieved a remarkable comeback victory against the 2024 Mumbai Open champion and current second seed, Darja Semenistaja, in the quarterfinals of the Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series held at the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) on Friday.

In other matches, Mananchaya Sawangkaew, Lanlana Tararudee, and Fangran Tian also secured their spots in the singles semifinals. In the doubles category, Nicole Fossa Huergo and Mananchaya Sawangkaew advanced to the finals.

The day began with last year's finalist, Mananchaya Sawangkaew, taking on ninth seed Tatiana Prozorova on the center court. Sawangkaew, who was the runner-up last season, easily won the first set as the 22-year-old Prozorova struggled with her rhythm and made several unforced errors.

Despite showing some fight and initially leading in the second set, Prozorova failed to convert critical games and ultimately lost in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.

Meanwhile, a much-anticipated clash between third seed Leolia Jeanjean and fifth seed Lanlana Tararudee took place on Court 1. The World No. 129, Tararudee, rallied after dropping a close first set and won the following two sets comfortably, completing a comeback victory in 2 hours and 17 minutes with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

In another thrilling match, Lilli Tagger faced her toughest challenge yet against the reigning champion, Darja Semenistaja, on center court. After dropping the first set, Tagger made strategic adjustments to regain control.

The young Austrian demonstrated why she is considered one of the most exciting talents on the tour, utilizing more slice shots and effectively countering Semenistaja’s movements. Tagger ultimately triumphed with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, securing her place in the semifinals.

In another dramatic encounter on Court 1, Fangran Tian continued her impressive run in the tournament, narrowly defeating Japan’s Mei Yamaguchi in a 2 hour 38-minute marathon match under the lights, with a final score of 6-2, 2-6, 6-2.

In the first semifinal of the Doubles Main Draw, Nicole Fossa Huergo and Mananchaya Sawangkaew clinched a hard-fought victory against Hiroko Kuwata and Park So-hyun, concluding the day's matches with a score of 6-4, 6-7 (7-4), (10-5).

Results:

Singles: Mananchaya Sawangkaew (THA) defeated Tatiana Prozorova: 6-1, 6-4.

Lanlana Tararudee (THA) defeated Leolia Jeanjean (FRA): 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Lili Tagger (AUT) defeated Darja Semenistaja (LAT): 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

Fangran Tian (CHN) defeated Mei Yamaguchi (JPN): 6-2, 2-6, 6-2.

Doubles: Nicole Fossa Huergo (ARG)/Mananchaya Sawangkaew (THA) defeated Hiroko Kuwata (JPN)/Park So-hyun (KOR): 6-4, 6-7 (7-4), (10-5).