Sharapova's Pretty Dresses Inspired India's Shrivalli To Play Tennis

India No.1 Ankita Raina, however, bowed out in the first round, losing in straight sets to American eighth seed Katie Volynets. Sahaja Yamalapalli stole the spotlight on the opening day of the tournament, being played at the Cricket Club of India, by knocking out top seed Kayla Day. On day two, it was Rutuja and Shrivalli who brought cheer to the local fans with contrasting wins.

Rutuja was the first of the lot to take the court and she was clinical in a 6-4, 7-5 victory against Thailand’s Peangtarn Plipuech. The 27-year-old had suffered a freak injury on Monday, twisting her ankle while heading for a practice session. She went on to lose her doubles opener with Ankita but recovered to take the court on Tuesday.

“It's a special feeling to play at home. It's awesome that the tournament is back as it gives a lot of opportunities to the girls to see where we are and to climb up in the rankings,” said the Asian Games mixed doubles gold medallist after her win.