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.
Japans Hina Hayata, the womens 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.
Indias Sreeja Akula, the defending womens singles champion, made her intentions clear with a commanding performance, while Egypts 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 tournaments first major upset, defeating Hayata in straight sets, 3-0 11-7, 11-8, 11-3, to move into the second round.