Sawangkaew claims Mumbai Open C-crown

Mananchaya Sawangkaew secured the biggest title of her career on Sunday afternoon, defeating Austrian teenager Lilli Tagger 6-4, 6-3 to win the L&T Mumbai Open.

For the 23-year-old Thai, victory at the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) grounds carried a sense of redemption, coming exactly one year after she suffered a heartbreaking loss in the 2025 final at the same venue.

Throughout Sunday’s final, Sawangkaew’s court coverage and heavy baseline striking overwhelmed Tagger, as the Thai converted four break points to seal the match in one hour and 24 minutes.

With this WTA 125 title, Sawangkaew is projected to surge back inside the world’s Top 200. “I am so happy to win here after losing the final last year,” she said. “I love the atmosphere in Mumbai, and this gives me so much confidence for the rest of the season.”

Inside the Top 200

Ranked No 236 entering the week, Sawangkaew’s path to the trophy was a masterclass in giant-killing. She navigated a high-stakes semifinal against compatriot and fifth seed Lanlana Tararudee, prevailing 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, and dismantled ninth-seeded Tatiana Prozorova 6-1, 6-4 in the quarterfinals.

The 17-year-old Tagger, world No 128 and the tournament’s seventh seed, had enjoyed a “dream run” to the final, including an “incredible comeback” victory over former champion and second seed Darja Semenistaja (4-6, 6-4, 6-2).