Ramkumar Ramanathan is on a dream run in 2024, with his recent performances captivating tennis fans across India. At the Round of 16 of the Bengaluru Open, the Indian star showcased his resilience and skill, culminating in a stunning upset against the tournament’s top seed, Luka Nordi.
RAMANATHAN OVERCAME A TERRIBLE FIRST SET TO DEFEAT HIS FORMIDABLE ROUND OF 16 OPPONENT
Ramanathan is apparently choosing the toughest route to win matches these days. His opening match against French Opponent Maxime Janvier exemplifies this note. Janvier won the almost even first set, following which both contestants played hard enough to take the match to either way. In the end, the Indian managed to put the contest in his favour, securing a matchup against Nordi.
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In the Round of 16, facing the formidable Nordi (ranked 108), Ramanathan (ranked 462) encountered a daunting setback, losing the first set 6-1. Nordi’s impeccable performance put the Indian on the back foot, particularly with his struggles to find his serving rhythm.
However, he refused to succumb to the pressure, demonstrating remarkable composure and resolve. Rallying back with unwavering determination, he clinched the next two sets 6-4, 6-4, stunning Nordi and securing his place among the top eight singles contestants of the tournament. He will face South Korean Hong Seong-chan in the quarter-finals.
What dreams are made of 💭🇮🇳
Wildcard Ramkumar Ramanathan completes an astounding comeback over No.1 seed Nardi 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 in Bengaluru to reach his first Challenger quarterfinal since 2022! #ATPChallenger | @ramkumar1994 | @BlrTennisOpen pic.twitter.com/RHVhHny3hp
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) February 14, 2024
THIS VICTORY FOLLOWS HIS DOUBLES TRIUMPH AT CHENNAI OPEN 2024
Of course, Ramnathan’s Bengaluru Open heroics come straight after his victory at the 2024 edition of Chennai Open. There, he teamed with Saketh Myneni to defeat compatriots Niki Poonacha and Rithvik Bollipalli for the victory.
The all-Indian final match began with a surprise, as the youthful duo of Poonacha and Bollipalli snatched the first set with a commanding 6-3 score. However, the experienced Myneni and Ramanathan soon bounced back , roaring on all fronts to score a dominant 6-3 victory in the second set. The deciding set saw Myneni and Ramanathan rise to the occasion, thwarting any potential upset and securing the title with a hard-fought 10-5 win in the tiebreaker. The final score stood at 3-6, 6-3, 10-5 in favour of the experienced duo.
READ MORE: Ramakumar Ramanathan and Saketh Myneni wins Men’s Doubles title at Chennai Open
