The tennis courts at the Asian Games in Hangzhou witnessed a dramatic showdown as India’s Saketh Myneni and Ramkumar Ramanathan went head to head against Chinese Taipei’s dynamic duo, Hsu Yu-Hsiou and Jason Jung. Although the Indian pair had to settle for silver, the mixed team’s pursuit of gold remains undeterred.
A Glimpse into the Men’s Doubles Final
The Taipei players might have been unseeded, but they showcased their superior skills and rankings in a stellar fashion, grabbing the win with a 6-4 6-4 scoreline against the second-seeded Indian team.
Key Moments of the Match
- Early in the game, both teams displayed impeccable serve skills, with neither conceding a point in the initial three games.
- The momentum shifted slightly when Jung encountered a double-fault in the fourth game.
- The first break came about when Hsu nailed a fantastic forehand, setting the tone for the remainder of the match.
- Ramkumar faced intense pressure on his serve but displayed resilience by saving two break chances in the second set.
- The decisive moment emerged as Ramkumar’s wide forehand provided the Taipei team with three match points. The victory was sealed for Taipei when Myneni’s backhand went astray.
Hsu’s baseline game was impeccable throughout the match. Coupled with Jung’s rapid reflexes at the net, the pair proved to be a formidable force.
Myneni, reflecting on the final, mentioned
Unfortunately we came one short but very happy with whatever we played this week. So very happy with the contribution with the medal to the Indian contingent.
Ramkumar’s Journey
Ramkumar Ramanathan’s silver is his maiden medal from the Asian Games. His enthusiasm for the achievement was evident:
It is my first Asian Games medal, I always wanted to win a medal for India. It was one of my goals and that too coming with Saki (Saketh), very happy about it.
Myneni’s Track Record at Asian Games
For Saketh Myneni, this isn’t his first tryst with medals at the Asian Games. Previously:
- Partnered with Sanam Singh for a men’s doubles silver in 2014.
- Struck gold with Sania Mirza in mixed doubles during the same year.
Looking Ahead: Gold Hopes Still Alive
While the men’s doubles final concluded with India settling for silver, all hopes are not dashed. India’s mixed doubles team, consisting of Rohan Bopanna and Rutuja Bhosale, delivered an exceptional performance against Chinese Taipei’s Chan Hao-ching and Yu-Hsiou Hsu. They claimed victory in the semifinal with a scoreline of 6-1 3-6 10-4, keeping the dream for a gold medal alive.
Closing Thoughts
Representing the country at such a prestigious event is a tremendous honor. “It’s a privilege to play for a country and wear the tri-color and compete,” Myneni voiced, emphasizing the pride and responsibility of playing for India. The Asian Games, with its high stakes and fierce competition, has once again been a platform for athletes to showcase their dedication and talent. The Indian tennis contingent has indeed made its mark, and fans await the outcomes with bated breath.
