INDIAN WELLS (US), March 12: Prajnesh Gunneswaran�s terrific run at the Indian Wells Masters came to an end following a straight set defeat against big-serving Ivo Karlovic even as the left-handed Indian is confident of replicating success at the big stage consistently.
The Indian qualifier fought hard before losing 3-6, 6-7 (4) to the tall Croat, who fired 16 aces in the one hour and 13-minute contest.
�It was very difficult to return his big serve. I had some chances, I did not take them and that�s pretty much what decided the match,� Prajnesh, ranked 97, said as he could not convert any of the two break chances.
It was Prajnesh�s maiden appearance at an ATP Masters event and he bagged 61 ranking points with his stupendous effort, which will catapult him to new career-best rank of 82.
�Overall, it was very good run. I am confident I will be able to do this again. Obviously time will tell. Over a period of time I should be able to deliver such results consistently. I am not sure if it will always be at the Masters, or a 250 (tournament) or a Grand Slam. I hope it happens at the bigger events�
�At the end of the day, if I am consistently competing against these players and finding success then I am on the right track,� said the Chennai player, who earned a prize purse of USD 48,775. Meanwhile, India�s Rohan Bopanna and his partner Denis Shapovalov bowed out of the doubles after a 6-4, 1-6, 8-10 defeat against Novak Djokovic and Fabio Fognini in the second round. � PTI
