Bengaluru, Feb 22 (.) In a week that may well signal a new chapter for Indian women’s tennis, Vaishnavi Adkar has emerged as the face of a possible resurgence after storming into the final of the KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open W100 here.
Her run has revived memories of the era headlined by Sania Mirza, and sparked fresh optimism about India producing a consistent contender at the higher tiers of the women’s circuit.
Vaishnavi, who entered the tournament as a wild card, put together a series of fighting performances before finishing runner-up in the summit clash. Though she fell short in the final, the 18-year-old said the week marked a turning point in her journey.
“Last year was very tough for me. I struggled with my tennis and mentally as well. But this week, I kept believing in myself every time I went on court. I felt I belonged here and that I could compete at the highest level,” she told reporters after losing to Hanne Vandewinkel 6-0, 6-1.
The young Indian’s campaign was built on resilience. She came back from difficult positions in multiple matches, underlining her belief that “it’s not over till the very last point.” That fighting spirit has quickly become a defining feature of her breakthrough run.
Her recent shift to the academy led by Rohan Bopanna has added a new dimension to her game. With guidance and exposure to high-performance insights, Vaishnavi said the changes are already visible.
“We’ve been working on specific areas. There are a lot of improvements compared to last year and even two months back. Having people who have seen the highest level really helps,” she noted.
An introvert by nature, Vaishnavi said staying within her “bubble” helps her remain calm in tight situations. That composure was evident through the week, even as she navigated the pressure of a W100 final on home soil.
She also drew inspiration from Serbian great Novak Djokovic, whose longevity and competitive spirit she admires. “He’s still competing at this age. That’s very inspiring,” she said.
After an injury-hit 2025 season that included a tibia hairline fracture and hamstring issues, Vaishnavi’s resurgence could not have been better timed. The confidence gained from this run, she believes, will be crucial going forward.
“I have learned a lot. A week like this really helps with self-belief and confidence. I already feel much better about my game and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead,” she added.
For Indian women’s tennis, long in search of its next big standard-bearer, Vaishnavi’s rise may be more than just a good week – it could be the beginning of something larger.
. . .