Thaindian News

Pune, Nov 19 (IANS) Qualifier Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan of Chennai toppled Davis Cupper Vishnu Vardhan 7-5, 6-4 to win the men’s singles title in the $15000 Solaris ITF Men’s Futures Tennis held at the Club Solaris Aquaya here Saturday.

The 22-year-old Jeevan, who is playing his third Professional Tennis event since he finished college in the US six months ago, won the first ITF men’s title of his career after a 1 hour and 28 minute fight with the third-seed. While Jeevan got 27 ATP points for the win and was richer by $1950, Vardhan had to be content with 15 ATP points and $1350.

In the first set, both players held on to their serves playing excellent all round tennis. In the ninth game Jeevan looked vulnerable after being 0-30 down, but the left hander served beautifully to hold on and lead 5-4.

Jeevan played intelligently in the next game, using angles deceptively and then hit a brilliant down the line drive volley to break Vardhan’s serve for the first set.

The second set went with serves till 5-5 , both players tried to finish off points and the match witnessed more than 30 winners from either side. The match looked like going to the decider with Jeevan Serving 15-40 in the 11th game. But courtesy some gutsy tennis, he managed to hold on to his serve to lead 6-5.

Vishnu, who did not show the same form with his serve, the weapon that has seen him through some crucial matches went down 15-40 in the 12th. Jeevan tried a winner at the score but the ball went wide. He, however, clinched the issue on the second match point after Vishnu hit the ball long after a gruelling rally.

“I am thrilled and would like to thank my mother for her support to my tennis, I have been back just a few months after my studies at the University of Washington finished and did not expect to finish winner,” said Jeevan after the match.