New Delhi, Oct 12: India’s teenage tennis prospect Maaya Rajeshwaran has announced her arrival on the professional circuit in style, becoming the youngest Indian to win a pro singles title since Sania Mirza with her triumph at the W35 Lagos tournament in Portugal, but the 17-year-old insists this is only the beginning as she sets her sights on playing more senior events.
The 17-year-old, who entered the tournament as a qualifier, defeated Spain’s Celia Cervino Ruiz 6-4, 6-2 in Sunday’s final to become the youngest Indian to win a professional singles title since Sania Mirza in 2004.
Maaya also claimed the doubles crown alongside Ukraine’s Yelyzaveta Kotliar, capping a memorable week in which she did not drop a set in singles.
Her campaign included an opening-round upset of top seed Justina Mikulskyte, ranked 246th in the world.
“This is just sort of a start because it’s the first title. And it’s a good sign to start off the pro career,” Maaya said during a media interaction on Sunday night.
“I don’t think this is going to make that big of a deal, because it’s just a start. Now it’s just a confidence that I’ve given myself that I can compete better.” The teenager said she was looking forward to playing more professional tournaments, particularly in Europe, as she looks to improve her women’s rankings and gain entry into bigger events. (PTI)