Indian challenge comes to end at ATP Challenger

Chikmagalur, Apr 21 (UNI) Indian challenge in the 25,000 dollar ATP Challenger Championship come to an end with up-and-coming tennis star Karan Rastogi suffering defeat at the hands of Toshihide Matsui of Japan here today.

In a marathon match that lasted for more than three hours, the Rastogi fought till the end but his efforts went in vain as Matsui defeated the Indian 7-5, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4) to enter the semi finals.

After conceding the first set (5-7), Rastogi fought back and stretched the second to a tie-breaker and won it (7-4). However, he went down in the third and final set, though it was also stretched to a tie-breaker.

In the first set, Rastogi succeeded in taking an early lead through superb back hand strokes, but Matsui recovered and succeeded in not only equalising the score at 5-5, but also won two more games to take the first set (7-5).

A determined Rastogi rose to the occasion and with his superb serve and return made Matsui come to the net and in the volley of shots forced him to commit mistakes. At one stage both were locked at 5-5. Later both succeeded in taking one point lead, forcing the set to tie-breaker.

At this stage Rastogi took early lead of five points (5-1) when Matsui through two Aces and superb back hand strokes succeeded in increasing his point to four (6-4). However, Rastogi was quick enough to finish the game by taking a three point lead (7-4).

In the third and final set Rastogi committed many mistakes, including playing some eratic shots. He was very quick to go to the net and this cost him dearly on several occasions as his opponent took full advantage the situation.

Rastogi served eight Aces but committed as many as 12 double faults in the match, while Matsui on the other hand hit six Aces and committed seven double faults.

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