The third-seeded Saketh Myneni defeated qualifier Andrew Harris of Australia 7-6(4), 6-1 in the final of the $10,000 ITF men’s Futures tennis tournament in Bangkok on Saturday.
It was the third singles title in the last four tournaments for the 25-year-old Saketh, and his first abroad. He collected 18 ATP points, which was a big relief after he had lost in the second round in straight sets to compatriot Karunuday Singh at the same venue last week.
“I was serving well and kept pressure on the return games, but couldn’t convert the break points. Once I got the first set, I tried to take a few more chances, attacked and broke Harris three times”, said Saketh, when contacted by The Hindu in Thailand.
“It has been two tough weeks. I liked the challenges that I have been facing. There is still a lot of work to be done but am gradually getting better each day”, said Saketh, who had won back-to-back titles in $15,000 ITF events in Chandigarh and Rohtak recently.
The 300th ranked Saketh, the second best Indian on the ATP computer after Somdev Devvarman in singles, had opted to compete abroad to face better opposition in different conditions, instead of making easy points at home.
“I am not really concerned about the points right now. I want to stay healthy and compete at a high level”, said Saketh, who will be playing in Guam as the top seed next week.
“It will be a different place, and a different challenge. Looking forward to it”, he signed off.
