Indian men’s doubles pair of Arjun Kadhe and Rithvik Bollipalli secured their first-ever ATP Tour title in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The duo faced Colombia’s Nicolas Barrientos and Tunisia’s Skander Mansouri in the final, and after making an impressive comeback, the pair won 3-6, 7-6(3), 14-12 also saving five match points. This win was achieved in an intense one hour and 41-minute battle.
Resilience and determination shine through
After losing the first set, Arjun and Rithvik bounced back with a strong display of grit and determination, winning the second set in a tiebreaker. The third set turned into a nerve-wracking battle, but the Indian pair saved five match points, showcasing their resilience before clinching the match in a thrilling 14-12 tiebreaker.
Climbing the ATP rankings
This victory is a significant boost for both players’ rankings. With this win, Rithvik Bollipalli, currently ranked 102nd, is set to break into the top 100 ATP rankings, while Arjun Kadhe, ranked 92nd, further solidifies his position. Their consistent form throughout the tournament has been remarkable, defeating opponents like Marco Bortolotti and Patrik Niklas-Salminen in straight sets in the Round of 16.
Strong Semi-final display
In the semifinals, the Indian duo took down Germany’s Jakob Schnaitter and Mark Wallner 7-6(6), 6-3, showcasing their exceptional skills and teamwork. Their journey to the final was marked by powerful performances, setting the stage for their maiden ATP triumph.
A new era for Indian Tennis
This ATP 250 title win marks the beginning of a promising future for Indian tennis. With players like Arjun and Rithvik making their name on the international stage, Let’s hope to see the rise of new Indian talent ready to compete at the highest level.
About 2024 Almaty Open
The 2024 Almaty Open is a professional men’s tennis tournament that took place on indoor hard courts. This marked the fifth edition of the event, which has been relocated from Astana to Almaty this year. It is part of the ATP Tour 250 Series on the 2024 ATP Tour.