In a defining moment for Indian tennis, Sahaja Yamalapalli scripted a sensational upset at the WTA 125 Abierto Tampico Open in Mexico, defeating 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens 6-2, 6-2 in the opening round.
The 23-year-old from Hyderabad, ranked World No. 347, displayed fearless shot-making and exceptional composure to dismantle the seasoned American star, who is a former World No. 3 and Grand Slam winner. The emphatic straight-sets victory marks one of the biggest wins of Sahaja’s professional career and a rare triumph for Indian women’s tennis on the international circuit.
Dominant performance from the baseline
Right from the opening games, Sahaja dictated the pace of the match with deep groundstrokes and consistent aggression. She broke Stephens early in both sets and kept her under pressure with well-placed returns and quick movement across the court. Stephens, known for her fluid athleticism, struggled to find rhythm as Sahaja mixed pace and angles effectively to force repeated errors.
The Indian sealed the first set 6-2 with clinical precision and carried her momentum through the second, breaking twice more to close the match with the same scoreline. Her control and confidence stood out against a player boasting multiple WTA titles and vast experience on hard courts.
Career milestone for Sahaja
This win represents a breakthrough moment for Sahaja, who has steadily risen through the ranks after successful stints in U.S. college tennis and the ITF circuit. Known for her aggressive baseline play and mental toughness, she’s quickly earning a reputation as one of India’s brightest emerging talents.
By defeating a Grand Slam champion in such dominant fashion, Sahaja has signaled her readiness to compete at higher-tier WTA events and challenge established names on the global stage.
Next challenge
Following the stunning first-round win, Sahaja advanced to face second seed Petra Marčinko in the round of 16. Despite a valiant effort, she went down fighting in a tightly contested three-set encounter. Nevertheless, her performance in Tampico has boosted her confidence and is expected to propel her closer to the top 300 in the WTA rankings.
Indian tennis on the rise
Sahaja’s victory adds to a growing list of impressive results by Indian women on the international circuit in recent months, reinforcing the country’s depth in the women’s game. Her fearless play and poise against a top opponent drew praise from fans and pundits worldwide, many calling it one of the standout stories of the tournament.
SportsTreat View:
Sahaja Yamalapalli’s win over Sloane Stephens wasn’t just an upset—it was a statement. Confident, composed, and commanding, the young Indian has shown she belongs among the world’s best.
