Mumbai, Jan. 31 -- Indian veteran player Ankita Raina put in a well-rounded display as she defeated Akanksha Nitture in straight sets on Day 1 of the 2026 Mumbai Open WTA 125K Series at Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) on Saturday.

The other winners of the day were Kristina Sidorova, Kulikova Anastasia, Zuzzana Pawlikowska, Matsuda Misaki, Nicole Fossa Huergo, Peangtarn Plipuech and Yasmine Kabbaj, as per a press release from MSLTA.

The day's action began with Russia's emerging talent, Kristina Sidorova, who defeated 26-year-old Zeel Desai 6-2, 6-0 to advance to the next qualifying round. The 19-year-old played aggressively from start to finish as her cross-court shots never let Zeel Desai settle into the match.

Meanwh...