Hyderabadi player Yadlipalli Pranjala wins maiden ITF title in Egypt

Hyderabad: City girl Yadlapalli Pranjala is back to winning ways. The 18-year-old, who made a transition from junior to the senior category last year, announced her arrival in the big stage by winning her maiden ITF women’s title at $15,000 Sharm-El-Sheikh tennis tournament in Egypt. The promising Pranjala, who made rapid strides in the junior section, had to wage a grim battle before beating Italy’s Clerici Giada 6-7, 7-5, 6-4 to reign supreme in the final.

“I’m feeling very happy for winning this title as it is my maiden ITF women’s title,’’ said Pranjala from Sharm-El-Sheikh in Egypt.

It was tough three sets for Pranjala in the final. “Giada is a tough player. There were a lot of rallies. It was a good game. ‘’

PranjalaYadlapalli Pranjala with the ITF Trophy that she won in Egypt.Open

Pranjala was 4-0 up in the first set before the Italian rallied splendidly to fight back and win the set. “I



lost my focus and made a few unforced errors. I lost the set.’’

However, in the second set, Pranjala played a solid game to draw level. “I got into a good rhythm and I began to play more solid shots.’’

Pranjala began badly in the crucial third set. “I ran into trouble when she took a 4-1 lead. But I remained calm. I worked my way back with a determined game and finally could win the set at 6-4. It was all about being patient and it helped me in the end,’’ said a delighted Pranjala.

Pranjala, who is sponsored by GVK Foundation, said she has been working on her game. “I have improved my footwork and serving strong consistently. I have also become a little aggressive in my game.’’

The Hyderabad girl, who is ranked 654 in WTA ranking, will be in Egypt for two more weeks to play in couple more tournaments. “I feel very confident now. I have to keep the momentum going.’’