The stage is set for an electrifying Super Saturday at the Chennai Open International Women’s Tennis Championships 2025, with the semifinals lineup featuring a powerful blend of rising Asian talents, Australian contenders, and local Indian hopes.
According to the Chennai open official order of play released on Friday night, Center Court action begins at 3:00 PM with the doubles semifinal featuring top seeds Storm Hunter (AUS) and Monica Niculescu (ROU) taking on the Japanese duo Mai Hontama and Akiko Omae. The doubles draw has seen its fair share of surprises this week, but Hunter and Niculescu have remained steady, using their blend of experience and variety to dominate. Their opponents, Hontama and Omae, have thrilled the Chennai crowd with their coordination and speed, setting up a classic clash of power versus placement to kick off the day.
Tjen vs Tararudee: Southeast Asia’s Finest Collide – Chennai open
The first singles semifinal, not before 5:00 PM, will feature a high-stakes battle between Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee and Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, both of whom have been standout performers throughout the tournament.
Tararudee has been one of the sensations of this Chennai edition, knocking out higher-ranked opponents with her relentless baseline play and fearless shot-making. Her path to the semis has included a dominant quarterfinal win over Polina Iatsenko, where she dropped only two games.
Across the net, fourth seed Janice Tjen has been equally impressive. Her calm, controlled win against Slovakia’s Mia Pohánková showcased her consistency and ability to absorb pressure. The Indonesian’s strength lies in her tactical patience and precise shot placement, and she has converted more than 50% of her break points in the tournament so far.
Both players are known for long rallies and mental toughness, and with a place in the final at stake, this match is set to define the rise of Southeast Asian women’s tennis.
Garland vs Birrell: The Clash of Styles – Chennai open
Following immediately after the first semifinal will be the encounter between Joanna Garland (TPE) and seventh seed Kimberly Birrell (AUS).
Garland’s straight-sets victory over veteran Arina Rodionova in the quarterfinals has been one of the highlights of the tournament. The 23-year-old has combined maturity with measured aggression, winning over 70% of her first-serve points and holding composure in crucial moments.
Birrell, on the other hand, has had a steady rise through the draw, using her aggressive baseline play and heavy forehand to dominate from the back of the court. Known for her resilience and big-match temperament, the Australian will look to impose her power early to unsettle Garland’s rhythm.
Their contrasting styles — Birrell’s attacking pace versus Garland’s counterpunching precision — promise a gripping contest under the Chennai lights.
Doubles Spotlight: India’s Last Hope
After suitable rest, not before 7:00 PM, the evening will conclude with a second doubles semifinal where local favorites Riya Bhatia and Rutuja Bhosale will face the second-seeded Indonesian pair Aldila Sutjiadi and Janice Tjen.
For Bhatia and Bhosale, this is more than just a semifinal — it’s a chance to give home fans a reason to cheer. The Indian duo’s chemistry has been the talking point of the week, with quick reflexes at the net and solid defensive teamwork. But standing in their way are Sutjiadi and Tjen, who have looked near-perfect in their doubles campaign so far, dropping just one set en route to the semis.
The match also marks Janice Tjen’s double duty — featuring in both singles and doubles semifinals on the same day, a testament to her growing stamina and confidence on tour.
Super Saturday Anticipation
The day’s schedule reflects what makes the Chennai Open a unique stop on the WTA calendar — its mix of regional representation, emerging names, and passionate crowd support. With players from Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, and India all sharing Center Court, Saturday promises to be a true showcase of international women’s tennis spirit.
As the sun sets over SDAT Stadium, fans will witness stories of endurance, youth, and ambition play out in real time — a reminder that Chennai isn’t just hosting a tournament; it’s nurturing the next generation of global stars.
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