India's Prajnesh Gunneswaran crashed out of the singles event of Columbus ATP Challenger tournament following a tight straight set defeat against American wild card Martin Joyce.
The left-handed Indian lost 6-7(4) 6-7 (1) to Joyce, who represents Ohio state in the US Collegiate circuit and is yet to turn a Pro.
Prajnesh, ranked 244, could convert none of the five break chances he earned but saved all four breakpoint he faced in the first round, which lasted one hour 34 minutes.
"I played well but did not do enough with the second serve returns. The match was decided mostly with that. I could have played better in tie-breakers but he took his chances in the tie-breaker," Prajnesh told PTI from Columbus.
"He serves and volleys and his game was little different from the style of play we usually face. He played tie-breakers better than me. Only thing I can say is that the second serve
factor made the match close," he added further.
Talking about his opponent, Prajnesh said,"he will be good when he comes out of college, if he chooses to do."
India has top players Yuki Bhambri and Ramkumar Ramanathan in the singles draw.
Yuki, seeded third and world number 156, is up against Jose Hernandez-Fernandez, ranked 343.
Second seed Ramkumar, ranked 153, will open his campaign against American Sekou Bangoura, ranked 379.
Ramkumar and Prajnesh have also teamed up for the doubles and they face second seeded British pair of Brydan Klein and Joe Salisbury in their opening round.
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