Gaonkar stops Rajer for double
Rachita gets better of Ritu in three-setter to grab girls’ under-18 crown
Rohan Gaonkar made it two upsets in as many days against the same opponent to complete a grand double in the AITA Talent Series tennis tournament at the KIMS Tennis Academy courts on Friday.
Gaonkar, the fourth seed, battled back from the loss of a tight first set to stun top-seeded Monish Rajer 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 and clinch the boys’ under-18 title to go with the under-16 crown he had worn the previous day. Unlike on Thursday, when Gaonkar had triumphed in straight sets against his third-seeded rival -- Gaonkar had been seeded fifth in the U-16 section -- he had to, however, wage a grim battle for top honours.
As if determined to make amends for defeat in the lesser age-group final, Rajer dictated terms early on, though he had to put his best foot forward to clinch a well contested first set 7-5.
As if spurred by that reverse, Gaonkar came roaring back to run away with the next two sets and complete a memorable outing for himself.
A similar honour, however, narrowly eluded SP Ritu. The under-16 champion found top seed Rachita Sarda a little too hot to handle, going down in three sets in the under-18 final. Rachita began strongly, but then had to quell a mid-match challenge from her fifth-seeded opponent before eventually coming through 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
DH News Service
Results (both U-18 finals):
Boys: Rohan Gaonkar bt Monish Rajer 5-7, 6-2, 6-4. Girls: Rachita Sarda bt SP Ritu 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
