India’s top-ranked women’s singles player Sreeja Akula produced a composed display on Monday to defeat compatriot Manika Batra in a Round of 64 clash at the WTT Europe Smash 2025 in Malmö, Sweden. In a contest that swung back and forth, Akula prevailed 3–2 (5-11, 11-9, 15-13, 10-12, 11-8) to book her place in the round of 32 at Baltiska Hallen.
The result was significant not just because it pushed Akula further in one of the biggest events of the year, but also because it offered her a measure of redemption. Four years ago, at the WTT Contender Budapest 2021, she had narrowly lost to Batra in a decider. This time, she showed composure under pressure to turn the tables on her compatriot.
The encounter lasted just under 45 minutes, with both players refusing to give in. Batra, ranked 52 in the world, began strongly. After the opening game reached 5–5, she strung together six consecutive points to claim it 11–5, taking early control of the match.
Akula, however, responded quickly. The 45th-ranked paddler tightened her returns and attacked with greater intent, edging the second game 11–9 to restore parity. The third game proved to be the turning point of the contest. Despite being down game points, Akula held her nerve, saving two crucial points before clinching it 15–13. Now, the 27-year-old had momentum on her side.
Batra, a fighter, was not ready to back down. In the fourth game, she raced to a 10–8 lead. Though Akula pulled it back to 10–10, Batra dug in to force the decider, taking it 12–10.
The final game was tense from the very first rally. Both players fought hard, but Akula performed better under pressure, making the difference. She closed out the contest 11–8, sealing her place in the round of 32.
For Akula, the victory marked a big breakthrough. “I’m really happy to win the first round at this WTT Grand Smash,” she said after the match. “It was a very good win for me, one that will boost my confidence. It was not an easy match — Manika is very experienced, so I had to stay focused on every point. It went to a decider, and it was anybody’s match, so I’m glad I could give my best.”
The win also comes at an important stage in her career. As India’s top-ranked women’s singles player, Akula has been working to establish herself consistently on the international stage. Her ability to overcome a seasoned opponent like Batra on one of the sport’s biggest stages signals her growing maturity.
Akula’s victory ensured Indian representation in the women’s singles round of 32 at the Europe Smash, even as top seeds such as China’s Sun Yingsha and Chen Meng and Japan’s Mima Ito advanced comfortably in their opening fixtures. Romania’s Bernadette Szőcs also progressed, keeping European hopes alive in the women’s draw.
For Akula, the result was a timely boost. Having lost a narrow 2–3 battle to Batra at the WTT Contender Budapest in 2021, she turned the tables this time by holding her nerve in the decider.
With her first win secured, Akula will now represent India in the round of 32.
Yash Desai is a renowned journalist with over 10+ years of experience covering sports around the world. He began his career as a News Reporter in Delhi, India, and got an opportunity to cover several World events, including the Olympics, Paralympics, and World Games. He often felt that women’s sports are sidelined and given step-motherly treatment by the mainstream media. To bridge this gap and to build an equal playing field, Yash co-founded FemaleInSports and is currently working as a Lead Editor here.
