Bengaluru, Jan 7 (NationPress) Indian tennis players experienced a day of contrasting fortunes at the 10th Bengaluru Open. While Dhakshineswar Suresh and Manas Dhamne made their way into the Quarter-Finals with hard-fought victories in three sets, former champion Sumit Nagal faced elimination after a fierce contest against second seed Harold Mayot.

Mayot managed to save seven match points in a tough three-set match that concluded with scores of 7-6(2), 6-1, 7-6(11). The match was characterized by significant momentum changes and required immense physical stamina. Although Mayot seized an early break in the first set, Nagal fought back with determination, equalizing the score and pushing the match into a tie-break. In this crucial moment, Mayot elevated his performance, applying consistent pressure to take the first set. Adjusting his strategy in the second set, Nagal frequently approached the net, successfully breaking Mayot early and dominating the set.

The third set became a battle of endurance, as Nagal unleashed a barrage of impressive returns, compelling Mayot to stretch and recover. Both competitors pushed their limits to maintain parity, leading to another tie-break where Nagal’s powerful forehand gave him an initial advantage. However, as fatigue set in, Mayot's resilient defense and composure under pressure ultimately clinched the victory after three hours and nine minutes.

Earlier, Suresh triumphed over 19-year-old Felix Balshaw in a thrilling three-set match with scores of 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(4). The 25-year-old initially dominated the first set with his powerful serves and consistent baseline play. Balshaw retaliated in the second set, showcasing his one-handed backhand and effective serves, taking advantage of Suresh's noticeable decrease in energy.

The deciding set was a nail-biter. After facing a late break, Suresh displayed remarkable grit, executing deep, accurately placed returns to break back and force a tie-break. In the tie-break, Suresh’s determination shone through as he absorbed pressure early, strategically pushing Balshaw to the corners before sealing the win.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old wildcard Dhamne delighted local supporters with a solid performance against Kazakhstan's Beibit Zhukayev, winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-2. Dhamne set an aggressive tone early on, effectively countering Zhukayev’s power to comfortably take the first set.

Zhukayev rallied in the second set as his serves found their mark, shifting momentum his way. However, Dhamne adjusted well, reading the game effectively, and by the third set, Zhukayev struggled to respond. The Indian maintained consistent pressure, ultimately securing a well-deserved victory.

Notable wins today included top seed Pedro Martinez, Kazakhstan's Timofey Skatov, Cedrik-Marcel Stebe from Germany, Jonas Forejtek from Czechia, and Frenchman Matteo Martineau, all advancing to the Singles Quarter-Finals.

In the doubles draw, the Indian duo of SD Prajwal Dev and Nitin Kumar Sinha also progressed to the last eight, joining top seeds Sriram Balaji from India and Neil Oberleitner from Austria, along with the Dutch pairing of Max Houkes and Niels Visker, as well as Petr Bar Biryukov and Grigoriy Lomakin.