KSLTA ITF World Tennis Tour: Top seed Om Patel battled through three sets in the boys’ dingles opener while second seed Haritha Shree Venkatesh advanced with a commanding win in girls’ singles as the main draw of the KSLTA ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors began at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium and Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Monday.
With Round of 32 matches in the Boys’ and Girls’ singles and Round of 16 action in the doubles setting the tone for an action-packed opening day, focus was on seeded players who had to get through a strict examination from their opponents..
In the boys’ singles (Round of 32), Om Patel overcame a slow start to defeat compatriot Pranav Mahesh Saravanakumar 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-2. France’s Thomas Coppi rallied past Sharan Somasi 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, while Om Verma beat Evan Saha 6-1, 6-2. Fifth seed Ojas Mehlawat recorded a 6-0, 6-3 win against Uday Kaul, and Nishith Rajesh (USA) got the better of eighth seed Daksh Kukreti 6-4, 6-4. Ahan Shetty eased past Aarush Bhalla 6-1, 6-3, while second seed Aditya Mor came through a testing three-setter to beat Shaurya Bhardwaj 5-7, 6-1, 6-4.