New Delhi: Niki Poonacha and Sowjanya Bavisetti lived up to their top billing as the duo were crowned champions in the men’s and women’s singles events respectively in the Fenesta Open National Tennis Championship here on Saturday.
In the girls U-18 singles final, sixth seeded Shrivalli Rashmikaa of Telangana silenced No. 5 seed Sandeepti Singh Rao of Haryana 6-0, 6-4.
Earlier in August, she had also won the MCC Adidas National Clay Court Junior Championship held in Chennai.
In the Boys Under-18 finals, Madhwin Kamath made it a grand double. Having won the doubles title earlier this week, Madhwin turned on the heat on court on Saturday against Udit Gogoi for a 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) win.
Niki, who trains at the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy in Bengaluru, played smart tennis with great control to beat Aryan Goveas 6-2, 7-6 in the men’s singles final.
The top seeded Niki showed flair and finesse and looked eager to capitalise on the big chance which came his way.
“I would like to thank Aryan, it was really a great match. I’ve known him for a really long time. It is a dream for me to win this tournament,” Niki said after the final match.
Rising star Sowjanya grabbed the big chance which came her way. Playing against four-time Fenesta Open winner and seasoned pro Prerna Bhambri, Sowjanya was not bogged down by her opponent’s reputation.
She waited for her chance to get the break in each set and pressed the cruise control button for her maiden national title.
“I am so excited that I won the Women’s Nationals. It’s been my dream since 2005 to win it and finally it has come true. I am so happy,” Sowjanya said.
