In a thrilling display of international tennis talent, the KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open W100 Bengaluru concluded with a commanding performance from Belgium’s Hanae Van Winkle, who clinched the title in straight sets against India’s rising star Vaishnavi Adhkar. Held at the prestigious SM Krishna Tennis Stadium, this event marked the biggest ITF women’s tournament in India, drawing crowds and showcasing high-stakes action on February 21st and 22nd, 2026. The final, broadcast live by Doordarshan Sports via Prasar Bharati, captured the essence of competitive spirit and national pride.
A Clash of Experience and Ambition
The matchup pitted the third-seeded Hanae Van Winkle, ranked 124th in the WTA, against unseeded Indian wildcard Vaishnavi Adhkar, currently at WTA 690. For Vaishnavi, this was a landmark moment – her first appearance in an ITF final, and notably, the first Indian woman to reach this stage in a W100 event since tennis legend Sania Mirza. Vaishnavi’s path to the final was nothing short of inspiring; she upset higher-ranked opponents, including the second seed, fourth seed, and eighth seed, proving her mettle on home soil.
Hanae, on the other hand, entered the final with momentum from her semifinal victory over Polina in a hard-fought 6-4, 7-6 battle. As a seasoned player chasing her eighth ITF title, she brought a blend of precision, power, and tactical acumen to the court. Commentators highlighted the contrast: Vaishnavi’s aggressive baseline play versus Hanae’s versatile returns and ability to exploit angles.
The Match: A One-Sided Masterclass
The final unfolded as a swift and dominant affair, lasting just 54 minutes. Hanae wasted no time asserting control, breaking Vaishnavi’s serve in the opening games of the first set. Despite Vaishnavi’s efforts to introduce depth and angles into her shots, unforced errors plagued her performance, particularly on serve – she lost her first three service games.
Hanae’s serve was a weapon, firing aces and winners that left the Indian crowd in awe. A standout moment came early when she unleashed a “brilliant inside-out shot” to take a 15-love lead, spotting gaps in Vaishnavi’s defense with surgical precision. The first set wrapped up in a mere 19 minutes, with Hanae claiming a bagel: 6-0.
The second set offered brief glimmers of hope for Vaishnavi. She managed to hold serve once, pushing several games to deuce on Hanae’s serve and showing resilience in rallies. However, Hanae’s aggression on returns proved overwhelming, leading to multiple breaks. Vaishnavi fought valiantly, but the set ended 6-1, sealing Hanae’s victory with a wave to the cheering spectators.
Post-match analysis from the broadcast emphasized Vaishnavi’s nerves as a factor, noting her anxiety in the high-pressure environment. Yet, her journey was celebrated as a beacon for Indian tennis, with commentators praising her for “seeing the gap” in crucial points and her underdog triumphs en route to the final.
Prize Ceremony: Honors and Reflections
The post-match ceremony was a heartfelt affair, filled with applause for both players. Hanae Van Winkle lifted the trophy, adding her eighth ITF singles title to an impressive resume. She received a prize of US$5,239, while Vaishnavi took home US$1,847 as runner-up – a significant boost for the young Indian talent.
Speeches echoed gratitude and inspiration. Organizers Maheshwar Rao and Peter Vijay Kumar commended the event’s success, thanking sponsors like the KPB Trust for their support. ITF supervisor Nitin Kanwar highlighted the tournament’s role in elevating women’s tennis in South Asia. Indian tennis icon Rohan Bopanna made a special appearance, offering words of encouragement: “This is a big match for India… Vaishnavi’s first time in the ITF final.”
Vaishnavi, gracious in defeat, reflected on her achievement, while Hanae expressed delight at her “easy one-sided match” and the warm Bengaluru hospitality.
Looking Ahead: A Boost for Indian Tennis
The KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open W100 not only delivered top-tier competition but also spotlighted emerging talents like Vaishnavi Adhkar. With over 3,600 views and 56 likes on the live stream, the event resonated with fans worldwide, underscoring the growing popularity of women’s tennis in India.
As the dust settles on this Bengaluru showdown, eyes turn to future tournaments. For Vaishnavi, this final is a stepping stone; for Hanae, it’s another notch in her belt.
Stay tuned for more updates on global sports events – where underdogs rise and champions shine.
Video Source: YouTube
