Saketh clinches ATP Challenger title

Indian youngster Saketh Myneni clinched his maiden ATP Challenger level singles title after getting the better of Aleksandr Nedovyesov of Kazakhstan in a hard-fought three setter in the Indore Open here on Sunday.

The 26-year-old Saketh, ranked as low as 451, showed a lot of character against the top seeded Kazakh player to post a 6-3 6-7(4) 6-3 victory in a final battle that lasted a little over two hours at the Indore Tennis Club. With this victory, Saketh, who won a gold and silver in doubles at the recent Asian Games in Incheon, earned 80 points in the ATP rankings.

Saketh had earlier won two doubles Challenger-level titles this season with compatriot Sanam Singh. Besides, he had reached quarterfinals in Karshi and in Chennai Challengers earlier this season.

The top seeded Kazakh started on a positive note, getting 80 per cent of his first serves right in the opening set, even as Saketh mixed up his serves to keep his rival on his toes.

And the moment Nedovyesov faltered for the only time in the set, Saketh capitalised on the breakpoint to run away with it 6-3.