Sawangkaew beats Tagger to win the title

Same city, same court, same tournament — but a different result. Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew, runner-up in the 2025 summit clash, returned to Mumbai and flipped the script, brushing aside Austria’s Lilli Tagger 6-4, 6-3 in the final to lift the L&T Mumbai Open 125K Series title at the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) centre court here on Sunday.

Second time was indeed the charm. After knocking on the door last year, she kicked it down. The 23-year-old Thai delivered a composed performance, matching Tagger’s power shot for shot before gradually wresting control and forcing the Austrian into long, draining rallies under hot and humid conditions.

Tagger came out guns blazing, firing two booming aces down the ‘T’ in the opening game. Sawangkaew absorbed the early pressure, holding serve with clever placement and variation to level proceedings. What followed was a gripping see-saw battle, with Tagger unleashing her heavy serve and crisp backhand volleys, while Sawangkaew countered with deft slices, feathered drop shots and precise court positioning.

Locked at 4-4, Sawangkaew raised her level in the ninth game, engaging the 17-year-old Austrian in an intense baseline exchange before breaking serve. She closed out the opening set in style with a clean cross-court winner.

Carrying the momentum into the second set, Sawangkaew mixed pace and touch to keep Tagger on the move. Her variations earned a crucial break in the fifth game, and she held serve next to go 4-2 up.

Tagger refused to fade quietly, responding with two stunning aces, but Sawangkaew remained unflappable. She held serve comfortably before delivering the decisive blow — breaking Tagger once more to seal the title in straight sets.