Vaishnavi Adkar Clinches ITF W35 Kalaburagi Title In Tight Win Over Ankita Raina

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Kalburgi, March 8: India's Vaishnavi Adkar won the ITF W35 Kalaburagi singles title on Sunday (March 8), beating compatriot Ankita Raina 7-6(3), 6-4. The final played here, coincided with the International Women's Day, and featured a tense all-Indian contest.

Third seed Adkar claimed 35 WTA ranking points and USD 4,860 for her victory. Eighth seed Raina received 23 ranking points and USD 2,637 as runner-up. The match saw frequent shifts in momentum, with both players trading breaks across two tight sets.

Adkar broke in the opening game, forcing an early error from Raina, and held serve for a 2-0 lead. Raina then settled, used the court angles well, held serve, and broke back for 2-2 as Adkar’s errors briefly increased under pressure.

The momentum swung again as Adkar attacked returns to move ahead 3-2. Raina replied with aggressive returning to level 3-3. Adkar varied pace and used drop shots, yet each break was matched by a response. She broke for 5-4, but Raina’s strong forehands forced a tie-break.

In the tie-break, two early errors from Raina helped Adkar build a 3-0 lead. Confident, clean hitting pushed that advantage to 5-1. Raina narrowed it to 6-3, but Adkar closed the opening set 7-6(3) with a solid first serve.

The second set opened with more swings. Raina broke first, then Adkar hit back immediately. Further errors from Adkar gave Raina another brief edge, but Adkar again broke back and held, gaining a steadier grip on baseline exchanges in the humid Kalaburagi conditions.

Adkar’s backhand returns were crucial in the sixth game, securing a break for 4-2. Raina again replied with bold returning to break back. Adkar held for 5-4, then used Raina’s late errors to earn three break points and convert for a 6-4 finish.

Speaking after the match, Adkar said the week had been very good despite very tough conditions. She said she felt proud to push till the last match, praised Raina’s fighting spirit, and stressed that she had to keep fighting on every point.

Adkar also noted that she had watched Raina since childhood and viewed competing and playing doubles with her as very special. The win capped a strong week for the 21-year-old in domestic conditions at an ITF W35 level event.