Indiaโs Suresh Dhakshineswar made a winning start in his ATP Tour debut with a win over Russian Alexey Zakharov in the opening round of the ATP 250 Winston-Salem Open qualifying draw.
The 6 foot-6inch Dhakshineswar, ranked No. 1089 in the world, defeated Zakharov, ranked more than 700 spots above him at No. 337, in straight sets. The 7-6(5) 6-2 win, which included 14 aces for the Dhakshineswar, puts the Indian into the second and final round of qualifying and one win away from making his ATP Tour main draw debut at the ATP hardcourt event. He will be hoping to join countryman Sumit Nagal in the main draw. Nagal, who received a direct entry into the tournament, faces former world No. 12 Borna Coric in the first round on Sunday.
Suresh Dhakshineswar to face rising American Learner Tien in second round
Suresh Dhakshineswar who plays for Wake Forest University in the U.S. college tennis circuit and received a wildcard into the qualifying draw, has yet to turn pro. That means he will not be able to collect the prize money he would receive for winning his first-round match here.
The Indian will play 18-year-old American Learner Tien in the second qualifying round on Sunday. Tien, a left-hander who is currently ranked No. 232 in the world, had won 28 matches in a row on the ITF/ ATP Challenger Tour between late May and early August, which included one ATP Challenger title and four ITF titles.
Meanwhile, over in Cleveland, Indiaโs Sahaja Yamalapalli was defeated in the first round of the WTA 250 Tennis in the Land event. Yamalapalli, who was also playing her first WTA Tour level qualifying event and is ranked No 305 in the world, down to 2-6, 1-6 to world No. 91 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, of Spain.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Haresh Ramchandani
