India's Ankita Raina Advances in Thailand Tennis Open Qualifiers

India, 9 January 2026 — India's tennis ace Ankita Raina has advanced to the next round in the singles qualifying event at the Thailand Tennis Open. Raina secured her place after defeating her opponent in a tightly contested match on Sunday. The tournament, a key event in the WTA calendar, is being held in Hua Hin, Thailand, and is crucial for players seeking to improve their world rankings and gain entry into upcoming major tournaments.

Raina faced off against Japan's Kyoka Okamura and emerged victorious with a scoreline of 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. The match, played at the True Arena Hua Hin Sports Club, was a test of endurance and skill, lasting over two hours. Raina's performance in the third set was particularly commendable as she broke Okamura's serve twice to secure the win.

Ankita Raina, currently ranked 180th in the world, has been a pivotal figure in Indian tennis, often representing the country in the Fed Cup and Asian Games. Her progress in the Thailand Open is significant, as it provides her an opportunity to gain much-needed ranking points and boost her confidence ahead of the upcoming Grand Slam tournaments.

The Thailand Tennis Open, part of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) 250 series, attracts a competitive field. Players like Raina are keen to make their mark as they vie for the title and valuable points that could impact their seeding in future tournaments. The event continues to see participation from several top-ranked players, making the competition particularly intense.

As the tournament progresses, Raina will look to capitalize on her current form and continue her journey through the qualifying rounds. The next match will determine if she can secure a spot in the main draw, which would be a major achievement for the Indian athlete and further solidify her standing on the international stage.