Ramkumar Ramanathan lost his chance in the deciding set, while Sasikumar Mokund fell fighting in his match. India’s singles challenge was over at the Tata Open Maharashtra here Tuesday.
Ramkumar was eliminated in the qualifying round, losing 3-6, 7-5 and 6-3 to Pedro Martinez, the Spanish world number 62, in just two hours and 28 mins.
Mukund, who was the country’s top-ranked player at number 343, received a wildcard entry. However, his opponent, Flavio Corbolli, won the match stroke for stroke at the baseline.
Teenager Manas and Sumit Nagal had both received wild card entries. They lost their first round matches on Monday.
Tata Open, India’s largest ATP event, is not yet being tapped by the players.
The other matches were won by Tim van Rijthoven, a Dutch player, who defeated Radu Albot of Moldova 6-4,6-4. Aslan Karatsev, the eighth seed, took out Pablo Andujar 6-1 and 6-3.
The all-Indian match saw Sriram Balaji and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan beat Divij Sharan and Purav Raja 6-4, 6-3.
Ramkumar’s serve-volley game was a success in the first set, but he let his opponent make a comeback.
Martinez was able to move Ramkumar with great returns. He often hit shots right at the Indian’s feet, making a difficult task of picking up half volleys.
His passing shots were an absolute delight and made a big difference in the outcome of the match.
Ramkumar, who was cheered on by the crowd at the match against Martinez, fought hard but only hit a forehand at 30-all.
Ramkumar saved match point after his opponent netted a forehand. Martinez won the match with a deft and powerful volley.