Exciting First Day at 2025 WTT Contender Lagos with Big Surprise

The 2025 WTT Contender Lagos got off to an exciting start on Thursday, 24 July, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. Fans were treated to thrilling matches and a big surprise that shocked the crowd at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall.

One of the biggest stories of the day was the early exit of Japan’s Hina Hayata, the top seed in the women’s singles. She was knocked out in her very first match.

The day was full of exciting rallies as top players began their journey in the tournament.

India’s Sreeja Akula, who won the women’s singles title last year, started strong with an impressive performance. Egypt’s Dina Meshref, a former African champion, also moved into the second round after a solid win.

Akula, who won her first WTT Contender title in Lagos in 2024, played smart and carefully in her opening match. Her plan worked perfectly as she beat top seed Hayata in straight sets: 3-0 (11-7, 11-8, 11-3).

“I prepared well for the match, even though it was my first time playing against her,” said Akula. “She’s ranked higher than me, but I didn’t think about rankings — I just focused on my own game, and I’m happy with how I played.”

Akula is seeded ninth this year. She said Lagos feels like a lucky place for her.

“Being the defending champion gives me confidence. Last year, I won both singles and doubles. Lagos has been good to me, and I’m happy to be back. I just want to do my best and enjoy the tournament,” she added.

Egypt’s 17-year-old Hana Goda also had a strong start. She came from behind to beat India’s Roy Krittwika 3-1 (8-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7). Goda now moves on to the round of 16, where she will play Yi-Tian Yeh from Chinese Taipei.

Talking about the match, Goda said, “My opponent played better than I expected, and I was surprised at the beginning. She started strong, but I’m glad I managed to come back. I wasn’t fully happy with my game, so I hope to do better next time. I’ve played Yi-Tian before when we were kids, so this might be my chance to beat her.”

Goda, who is the third seed in the tournament, said she was happy to be back in Lagos.

“I really enjoy being in Lagos. I have a lot of friends here and always feel supported. I missed coming last year, and I didn’t play my best in 2023. But Lagos is special — it’s where I won my first African title. I hope to play better and make the fans proud.”