Indian Davis Cupper Saketh Myneni failed to cross the final hurdle at the Australian Open Qualifiers, losing the third round match to Mirza Basic on Saturday. After battling hard for two hours and six minutes, the Indian lost 6-3 4-6 6-8.
Both players split a set each to start with. However Myneni had five break chances in the decider but could convert only one and that proved crucial in the outcome of the match. He lost his serve twice.
Myneni’s defeat means that India’s representation in the men’s singles main draw will be restricted to only Yuki Bhambri, who will face world number six Tomas Berdych in his first round.
This is the first time Bhambri has made his way into the main draw of a Grand Slam following some great outings in 2015 that helped him break into the top-100 of the men’s rankings.
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