In a gripping quarterfinal match at the SM Krishna Memorial Tennis tournament, Alastair Gray outlasted India's Mukund Sasikumar to secure a spot in the semifinals. The contest, held in Bengaluru, saw Gray triumph with a scoreline of 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 in a hard-fought battle that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Physio Breaks Prove Crucial
Gray, who called for the physio twice during the decisive third set to treat his back, used the interruptions not only to recover but also to regain his composure and add extra power to his shots. The breaks allowed him to reset his strategy and come back stronger, ultimately clinching the set in a tiebreak.
Match Highlights
The first set saw Gray dominate with consistent serving and aggressive baseline play, breaking Sasikumar's serve once to take it 6-3. However, the Indian player fought back in the second set, using his speed and court coverage to level the match with a 6-3 win of his own. The third set was a tense affair, with both players holding serve until the tiebreak, where Gray's experience and composure shone through.
Gray's victory sets up a semifinal clash against another strong opponent, as he aims to continue his impressive run in the tournament. Sasikumar, despite the loss, showcased his talent and determination, earning applause from the local fans.
