Upsets, Thrills as Top Seed Crashes Out at WTT Contender Lagos
The main draw of the 2025 WTT Contender Lagos burst into life on Thursday, July 24, with fireworks and a major upset that sent shockwaves through the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall at Teslim Balogun Stadium. Japan’s Hina Hayata, the women’s top seed, bowed out of the $100,000 prize money championship in a stunning opening-day defeat.
The day was packed with excitement and powerful rallies as top seeds launched their campaigns. India’s Sreeja Akula, the defending women’s singles champion, made her intentions clear with a commanding performance, while Egypt’s former African champion Dina Meshref also advanced to the second round after a solid first-round win.
Akula, who claimed her first WTT Contender title in Lagos in 2024, approached her match with caution and tactical discipline. Her strategy paid off as she delivered the tournament’s first major upset, defeating Hayata in straight sets, 3-0 (11-7, 11-8, 11-3), to move into the second round.
“I was well-prepared for the match, even though it was my first time playing against her,” Akula said. “She’s the top-ranked player, but I didn’t focus on rankings. I just concentrated on my game, and I’m happy with how I played.”
Seeded ninth, Akula described Lagos as a lucky venue, having made history as the first Indian to win a WTT title.
“Being the defending champion gives me a lot of confidence. I won both the women’s singles and doubles titles last year. Lagos has been a good hunting ground for me, and I’m really happy to be back. I just want to play my best and enjoy the tournament,” she added.
Meanwhile, Egypt’s Hana Goda also made a strong start to her campaign. The 17-year-old, who won her first continental title in Lagos in 2022, came from behind to defeat India’s Roy Krittwika 3-1 (8-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7), securing a spot in the round of 16 where she will face Chinese Taipei’s Yi-Tian Yeh.
Reflecting on her comeback, Goda said: “My opponent played better than I expected, and I was a bit shocked at the beginning. She took the lead and gained momentum. I’m glad I managed to turn things around,
“Although I’m not satisfied with my performance. I hope to play better in the next round. It’ll be interesting facing Yi-Tian again. We played each other as kids, and maybe this is my chance to get some revenge from those early days.”
As the tournament’s third seed, Goda expressed her joy at returning to Lagos:
“I love being in Lagos. I have many friends here, and I always feel supported. I was sad I couldn’t come last year, and my 2023 performance wasn’t my best. But Lagos is special to me; it’s where I won my first African title. I hope to put on a better show for the fans this time.”
