In a riveting match that marked the beginning of the Indian challenge at the Bengaluru Open 2024, wild card entrant Ramkumar Ramanathan staged an impressive comeback to defeat Frenchman Maxime Janvier. The match, which spanned over two hours, ended with scores of 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-4, signaling a victorious start for Ramanathan in this ATP Challenger tournament hosted by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) and set to conclude on January 19.
A Battle of Nerves and Skill
The 29-year-old Indian player faced a tough challenge against his higher-ranked opponent, especially with his serve being under pressure in the initial sets. Despite the hurdles, Ramanathan showcased remarkable resilience and skill to clinch a sensational victory. “The opening set was a neck-and-neck battle,” as both players showcased their prowess, but it was Janvier who initially took the lead by winning the set through a tiebreaker.
However, Ramanathan’s comeback in the second set was noteworthy as he managed to save four break points, eventually breaking Janvier in the 11th game and winning the set to level the match. With momentum on his side, Ramanathan capitalized early in the third set, breaking Janvier and holding on to his service games to secure the match. This victory not only thrilled the home crowd but also demonstrated Ramanathan’s tenacity and determination.
Surprises and Upsets on Opening Day
The tournament’s opening day also witnessed the unexpected defeat of Croatian third seed Duje Ajdukovic, who lost to Tunisia’s Moez Echargui in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, in a match that lasted an hour and 30 minutes. This upset, alongside Ramanathan’s win, set the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament.
Looking ahead, Ramanathan is set to face the winner of the match between top seed Luca Nardi of Italy and Lucky Loser Dan Added of France. As the Bengaluru Open 2024 progresses, all eyes will be on Ramanathan and his quest for further success in front of his home crowd.
