A towering performance from a towering young talent! Chirag Duhan, the 6’5” 21-year-old from India, has scripted the biggest moment of his fledgling career by powering into his maiden semifinal at the ITF M25 level, at the prestigious SM Krishna Memorial Bengaluru Open.
Facing compatriot Ishaque Eqbal (ATP #936), Duhan, ranked #1016 in the world, put on a show of maturity and shot-making beyond his years, winning 6-2, 7-6(1) in the quarterfinals to seal a place in the last four.
Duhan Dominates with Aces and Composure
The match began with Duhan asserting dominance from the get-go. Using his booming serve to full effect, he racked up 10 aces, leaving Eqbal struggling to find rhythm in the return games.
The first set breezed by as Duhan’s aggressive baseline play and clean service games gave him the early advantage.
The second set was tighter, with both players exchanging holds until the tiebreak. But Duhan dialed up the pressure when it mattered most, racing through the breaker 7-1, showcasing nerves of steel and earning thunderous applause from the home crowd.
Semifinal Showdown vs Jay Clarke
Up next, Duhan will face his toughest challenge yet – British star Jay Clarke, currently ranked ATP #277 and the tournament’s top seed. Clarke defeated India’s Karan Singh in straight sets (7-6(5), 6-1), but Duhan’s fearless play and big-serving game could pose a real threat if he maintains this form.
This will be Chirag’s first career meeting with a top-300 ATP player, and a golden opportunity to announce himself on the international stage.
India’s Mixed Day in Bengaluru
It was a day of highs and lows for Indian tennis:
- Karan Singh showed promise but eventually faded against Jay Clarke.
- Aryan Shah couldn’t find answers against second seed Oliver Crawford, losing 3-6, 0-6.
- Raghav Jaisinghani was the other big highlight, pulling off a remarkable comeback against fourth seed Alexander Binda (ITA), winning 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.
- In other all-Indian contests, Abhinav Sanjeev outlasted Suraj Prabodh in a gritty three-setter, while Duhan’s own win over Eqbal was a textbook example of calm under pressure.
The Rise of Chirag Duhan
This semifinal run is more than just a stat—it’s a statement. Duhan has long been seen as a player with raw potential, and this result shows he’s beginning to channel that into serious results on the professional circuit. With his height, serve, and improving court coverage, Chirag could be India’s next big thing in men’s singles tennis.
What’s Next?
Can he slay the top seed and make it to his first professional final?
All eyes will be on Chirag Duhan vs Jay Clarke, a clash of youthful exuberance vs seasoned experience. One thing’s for sure—Indian tennis fans have found a new name to cheer for.
Watch out world, Chirag Duhan is rising!
