Ranzi Sports

Bengaluru, March 16: The top seed, Keegan Smith from the US, concluded a remarkable week by defeating the fourth seed, Philip Sekulic, with a score of 6-2, 7-5, thereby securing the men’s singles title.

Meanwhile, the Indian pair of Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha and Saketh Myneni triumphed in the men’s doubles category, achieving a convincing 6-2, 6-3 victory over Petr Bar Biryukov and Grigoriy Lomakin at the Karnataka Open held at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium on Saturday.

The singles final commenced with an unexpected turn as Smith lost his serve in the third game, granting Sekulic an early advantage. Nevertheless, the American quickly retaliated, breaking back in the fourth game and then taking complete control of the first set with additional breaks in the sixth and eighth games, ultimately winning it 6-2.

The second set was significantly more competitive, with both players successfully holding serve through the first six games. Sekulic made the first move, achieving a vital break in the seventh game, only to lose his lead immediately as Smith broke back in the subsequent game.

The Australian demonstrated remarkable resilience when facing championship point in the tenth game, managing to hold serve and prolong the match.

However, Smith’s consistent performance from the baseline and his ability to seize critical moments ultimately proved to be the deciding factors, as he broke again in the 12th game to clinch the match and the title in straight sets.

For his victory, Smith earned USD 9,500 and 50 ATP ranking points, while the runner-up, Sekulic, received USD 5,500 and 25 ATP points.

In the doubles final, the hopes of the Indian contingent were carried forward by Poonacha and Myneni, who exhibited excellent teamwork and aggressive returning throughout the match. The duo achieved a crucial breakthrough in the sixth game of the first set and added another break in the eighth game to secure the set 6-2.

The second set remained closely contested until the eighth game, when the Indian pair executed another timely break that paved the way for their victory. Serving confidently, they concluded the match with a score of 6-3, claiming the title in front of the home crowd.

In recognition of their victory, Poonacha and Myneni were awarded USD 2,980 along with 50 ATP points, whereas the runners-up, Biryukov and Lomakin, received USD 1,740 and 30 ATP points.

As this week’s event concludes, focus now transitions directly to the SM Krishna Open Memorial, which commences tomorrow with the first round of qualifying matches, heralding yet another week of international tennis competition in Bengaluru.

Results – All Finals (Seeding indicated by prefix)

Men’s Singles

1-Keegan Smith (USA) defeated 4-Philip Sekulic (AUS) with a score of 6-2, 7-5.

Men’s Doubles

Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha (IND) and Saketh Myneni (IND) triumphed over Petr Bar Biryukov and Grigoriy Lomakin (KAZ) with a score of 6-2, 6-3.