Tata Open Maharashtra 2023: 15-year-old Manas Dhamne, who had grow to be the primary participant born in 2007 to play in an ATP major draw match, impressed on his tour debut, placing up an important struggle in opposition to World No. 113 Michael Mmoh within the opening spherical of the ATP 250 occasion on Monday.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 2, 2023 16:06 IST
Manas Dhamne was handed a wildcard entry to Tata Open Maharashtra 2023 (Photo Courtesy: Instagram)
By India Today Web Desk: 15-year-old Manas Manoj Dhamne fell wanting scripting historical past however the Pune-born tennis participant showcased glimpses of his potential on his ATP tour debut on the Tata Open Maharashtra 2023. Playing in entrance of his house crowd, Manas impressed in a hard-fought match in opposition to World No. 113 Michael Mmoh of the United States.
Manas Dhamne had the chance to grow to be the youngest match-winner within the historical past of ATP by overtaking Franco Davin, who was 15 years and one month previous when he gained his first ATP tour match in 1985. However, Manas, who had simply turned 15 final week, was crushed in straight units by Mmoh after he had grow to be the primary participant born in 2007 to play a major draw match on the ATP tour.
Manas was handed a wildcard by the organizers of the Maharashtra Open, who have been eager on giving {the teenager} a platform to showcase his abilities in entrance of the world in India’s largest ATP event. Manas had the chance to share the court docket with the likes of former US Open champion Marin Cilic, who leads the lads’s singles subject on the ATP 250 event in Pune.
Manas started the match on the entrance foot, going toe-to-toe with 24-year-old Mmoh. With stable groundstrokes and forehand, Manas was 2-2 with Mmoh earlier than the American turned it round and took the primary set 6-2.
Manas regarded somewhat deflated after surrendering the opening set. It was one-way site visitors within the second set as Mmoh was main 5-2 and searching set to wrap up the competition in fast time.
‘CAUGHT ME BY SURPRISE’
However, a lot to the delight of the native followers and the likes of Rohan Bopanna and Purav Raja, who have been watching {the teenager} in motion, Manas fought again, saving as many as 3 set factors. Manas broke again and pushed Mmoh to the bounds with an impressed jiffy of play however he was not in a position to capitalize on a 0-30 lead in what turned out to be the ultimate sport of the match.
Manas misplaced to Mmoh 2-6, 4-6 in an hour and 28 minutes however not earlier than placing up an important struggle.
“Honestly, I thought he played really good tennis at the beginning of the match. I was not expecting that level, he caught me by surprise. I think he has a very good future. A 15-year-old, I was very impressed with his game,” Mmoh spoke of Manas because the Pune crowd cheered on in the course of the on-court interview.
Manas, who has reached a career-high of World No. 73 in ITF junior rating, is being seen as one of many wonderful younger skills within the nation. Mana had gained 2 ITF Grade 2 tournaments in Pune and Chandigarh final 12 months. He additionally gained the ITF Asian B1 championships in September 2022.
Manas has been working with famend Italian coach Riccardo Piatti, who has labored with the likes of Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova.
Published On:
Jan 2, 2023
