Dhakshineswar sends Kites to WTL title

Dhakshineswar Suresh played for Aussie Mavericks Kites as they defeated AOS Eagles 22-19 to win the fourth edition of the World Tennis League at the SM Krishna Stadium here on Saturday.

Going into the final rubber against compatriot Sumit Nagal, Dhakshineswar had the responsibility of guarding a slim lead of 15-13 for his team. And the 25-year-old played a fine set, which culminated in a perfect tiebreak which he won to four points.

On the day, Dhakshineswar won two of the three matches he played, and had a side that had looked down after losing the first two round-robin matches and had cruised into the final by the narrowest of margins.

Earlier in the evening, another Indian Shrivalli Bhamidipaty impressed for the Eagles, both in her singles match against Marta Kostyuk and in the doubles encounter with Frenchman Gael Monfils against Kostyuk and Dhakshineswar.

The 24-year-old Shrivalli was the better player against Kostyuk in the early stages and even broke the serve of the world number 26 once.

The 23-year-old Ukrainian eventually broke down Shrivalli’s powerful play by working the angles and using top-spun balls, but not before the Indian ensured the holiday crowd had a home name to sing.

The result (final): Aussie Mavericks Kiss BT AOS BT AOS Eagles Eagles 22-19 (Marta Kostek bt Shrivalli Bhamidpaty 6-4; Kostek & dhakshineswar suresh Lost to Shrivalli & Gael Monfils 3-6; Nick Kyrgius & Dhakshishinshashishineshishishineswar bt suut nagal & monfils 6-3; Dhakshishiswar bt nagal 7-6).