India’s young tennis player Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi has taken an important step in her career by winning her first professional singles title at the ITF W35 tournament in Lagos, Portugal. The 17-year-old defeated Spain’s Celia Cervino Ruiz 6-4, 6-2 in the final on October 11, 2026. She also won the doubles title, making it a memorable week for the rising Indian player.
Maaya’s achievement marks an important moment as she begins to compete more regularly on the senior professional circuit. Her victory has also drawn comparisons with former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, who won her first professional singles title in 2004.
A Breakthrough Week in Portugal
Maaya entered the tournament through the qualifying rounds and went on to win the singles title without dropping a set in the main draw. One of her key results came in the opening round, when she defeated top seed Justina Mikulskyte of Lithuania, who was ranked 246th in the world at the time.
She continued to perform consistently in the following rounds before reaching the final against Cervino Ruiz. Her 6-4, 6-2 victory secured her maiden professional singles crown.
Maaya also partnered Ukraine’s Yelyzaveta Kotliar to win the doubles title. Winning both competitions at the same tournament gave her valuable match experience and confidence as she prepares for more professional events.
Focus Shifts to the Senior Circuit
For Maaya, the title is a beginning rather than a final destination. She has said that she wants to participate in more professional tournaments, particularly in Europe, to improve her women’s rankings and gain entry into higher-level events.
The transition from junior tennis to the senior circuit brings different challenges. Players must compete against more experienced opponents while managing the physical demands of a professional schedule. Maaya is still gaining experience at this level and sees regular competition as an important part of her development.
She has also spoken about the need to trust herself more on court. The Lagos victory has strengthened her belief that she can compete at the senior level, but she remains focused on improving her performances rather than placing too much importance on a single result.
A New Training Base in France
Maaya recently moved from Spain’s Rafa Nadal Academy to the Elite Tennis Centre in the south of France. She competed in Lagos under the guidance of Jean-René Lisnard, the centre’s founder and head coach.
Her immediate plans include improving her physical strength, making technical adjustments and developing the agility needed for professional tennis. She also intends to balance senior tournaments with junior Grand Slam events, continuing to build experience in both areas.
Fitness and injury prevention will be particularly important as she gradually takes on a more demanding competition schedule.
Inspired by Sania Mirza
Maaya has acknowledged Sania Mirza’s influence on Indian tennis and described the former world No. 1 doubles player as an idol. Mirza helped bring greater visibility to the sport in India, inspiring many young players to pursue tennis professionally.
While the comparisons are understandable, Maaya is focused on developing her own career. Her first professional singles title and doubles victory provide a strong foundation, but consistency and further experience will be crucial to her progress.
At 17, Maaya has plenty of tennis ahead of her. Her performance in Portugal is an encouraging sign as she looks to establish herself on the senior circuit and take the next steps in her journey as an Indian professional tennis player.
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