Tennis

Indian Tennis: Ankita Raina, Ramkumar and Prajnesh win first round of Australian Open Qualifiers

 

Indian Tennis players Ramkumar Ramanathan, Ankita Raina and Prajnesh Gunneswaran have progressed to the second round of the Australian Open qualifiers, whereas Karman Kaur Thandi got eliminated in the first round itself.

India No 1 Ankita Raina, who is ranked 117 in the world, took only 67 minutes to defeat Hungary’s Reka-Luca Jani 6-2, 6-2 in the women’s singles. She will lock horns with Katarina Zavatska in the second round and if she goes on to win that as well, Raina will qualify for her first grand slam main draw.

Ramkumar, the world No.188, earned a hard-fought victory as he defeated Argentine Facundo Bagnis 7-6(6), 7-5 in one hour and 53 minutes. He is supposed to taken on Chinese Taipei’s Tung Lin Wu, who is ranked 247th, in the second round.

Prajnesh, who is also India’s top-ranked male tennis player, won against Canada’s Brayden Schnur following a tough three-set battle against him. He won 6-4, 4-6 and 6-2 and his match lasted a total of two hours and 30 minutes.

Karman Kaur Thandi, however, lost against Mariam Bolkvadze, who is ranked higher than her. It was a tight contest though, as she lost 7-6(4), 7-6(4). Thandi was also playing after a long time as she was injured and the pandemic forced her to stay out of the Court further.

A wild card entry into the men’s singles main draw, however, has already been awarded to Sumit Nagal and that has assured India of representation in singles at 2021’s first Grand Slam.

The Qualifiers are currently being held in Doha and Dubai. The Australian Open will start on February 8 at Melbourne. Many renowned players will be participating in this competition again but Swiss Legend Roger Federer has decided to sit out of it, as he is yet to regain full fitness after he underwent a double knee surgery last year.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

LeBron James opens up on new All-Star Game format, says something had to change

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has opened up on new All-Star Game format. James,… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sunil Chhetri reveals how leadership onus helped him in his career

India’s football icon Sunil Chhetri has had a glorious career as he has ticked the… Read More

December 20, 2024

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal ruled out for rest of the season due to knee injury

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal has been ruled out of the rest of the… Read More

December 20, 2024

Christopher Clarey sheds lights on Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray alliance, says Serb has always tapped into smart, high-level tennis players

Renowned Tennis journalist Christopher Clarey has shed light on Novak Djokovic appointing Andy Murray as… Read More

December 20, 2024

Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim has no regrets after dropping Marcus Rashford

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted he has no regrets after dropping Marcus… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sanju Samson reveals how Gautam Gambhir gave him clarity and confidence

India’s wicket-keeper bat Sanju Samson has revealed head coach Gautam Gambhir has played an instrumental… Read More

December 20, 2024