Mysuru: Second-seeded American Jessie Aney delivered a stunning comeback to defeat top-seed Indian Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty in the final, clinching the USD 15,000 ITF Mysore Open Women’s World Tennis Tour title on Sunday.
In front of a packed crowd at the Mysore Tennis Club (MTC) courts, Aney, fresh off her doubles victory the previous day, secured a hard-fought 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) win over Rashmikaa. The thrilling match, which lasted two hours and 33 minutes, kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
“It was a tough match, but I’m happy I played solid in the tie-break to pull through,” said a relieved Aney, who had partnered with India’s Riya Bhatia to win the doubles title on Saturday.
Rashmikaa capitalised on Aney’s weak second serves in the opening set, breaking twice and securing a decisive break in the eighth game. However, Aney adjusted her game in the second set, slowing down the pace and denying Rashmikaa the space to dictate play.
The American saved two break points in the third game and broke Rashmikaa in the fourth before holding serve in the ninth game, forcing a decider.
In the final set, Aney broke Rashmikaa in the seventh game, capitalising on errors at key moments. Yet, Rashmikaa fought back with strong service returns, forcing Aney into mistakes. The Indian held a match point in the 12th game, but Aney managed to hold serve, pushing the match into a tie-break.
Aney quickly jumped to a 6-2 lead in the tie-break, but Rashmikaa saved four match points to level at 6-6. However, two costly errors handed Aney the victory, along with a prize of USD 2,352.
Results (Final): 2-Jessie Aney (USA) bt 1-Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty (Ind) 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6). The event was attended by Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) EC Member Peter Vijaykumar, KSLTA Joint Secretary Sunil Yajaman, Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Director of N. Ranga Rao & Sons Pvt. Ltd., Pavan Ranga, MTC President A.R. Alagappan, BMRCL Managing Director Maheshwar Rao, and KSLTA Hon. Secretary & Tournament Director P.S. Vastrad.
This post was published on October 14, 2024 5:36 pm