Indian Tennis Players Shine at Bengaluru Open with Mixed Results
Bengaluru Open Highlights
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], January 7: The 10th Bengaluru Open witnessed a day of mixed fortunes for Indian tennis players. Dhakshineswar Suresh and Manas Dhamne both secured their spots in the Quarter-Finals after intense three-set matches, while former champion Sumit Nagal faced elimination following a tough contest against second seed Harold Mayot.
In a match filled with dramatic momentum shifts, Mayot triumphed over Nagal with a score of 7-6(2), 6-1, 7-6(11). Mayot initially broke serve in the first set, but Nagal quickly responded, leveling the score and pushing the set into a tie-break where Mayot's performance shone through. In the second set, Nagal altered his strategy, frequently approaching the net and breaking Mayot early, allowing him to dominate the set.
The final set became a test of endurance, with Nagal delivering impressive returns that kept Mayot on his toes. Despite an early lead in the tie-break, fatigue set in for Nagal, and Mayot's strong defense and composure ultimately led him to victory after three hours and nine minutes of play.
Earlier, Suresh faced off against 19-year-old Felix Balshaw in a thrilling three-set match, winning 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(4). Suresh started strong, utilizing his powerful serves and solid baseline game to take the first set. However, Balshaw fought back in the second, leveraging his one-handed backhand and serve. The deciding set was tightly contested, but Suresh's resilience shone through as he broke back late and clinched the tie-breaker with strategic returns.
18-year-old wildcard Dhamne also delighted local fans with a solid performance, defeating Kazakhstan's Beibit Zhukayev 6-2, 3-6, 6-2. Dhamne's sharp movement and anticipation allowed him to take the first set comfortably. Although Zhukayev rallied in the second, Dhamne regained control in the third, maintaining pressure and securing a well-deserved victory.
Other players advancing to the Singles Quarter-Finals included top seed Pedro Martinez, Timofey Skatov from Kazakhstan, Germany's Cedrik-Marcel Stebe, Jonas Forejtek from Czechia, and Frenchman Matteo Martineau. In doubles, the Indian duo of SD Prajwal Dev and Nitin Kumar Sinha also progressed to the last eight, alongside top seeds Sriram Balaji and Neil Oberleitner, the Dutch pair of Max Houkes and Niels Visker, and Petr Bar Biryukov with Grigoriy Lomakin.