The Fenesta nationals Open National Tennis Championships have always thrown up stories of grit and breakthrough moments.
This year, it is Keerthivassan Suresh who has become the headline act with his remarkable march to the men’s singles final. Entering the tournament as an underdog, Keerthivassan stunned experienced campaigners and held his nerve in testing three-set battles to book his place in Sunday’s summit clash.
The Chennai-based youngster began his run with a quarterfinal victory that raised eyebrows. Facing the vastly experienced Vishnu Vardhan, a Davis Cupper and former Asian Games medalist, Keerthivassan recovered from a set down to level the match 3-6, 6-2 before Vardhan retired trailing 0-5 in the decider. The result opened the door for Keerthivassan to script something special.
In the semifinals, he was up against Madhwin Kamath, another promising youngster with strong baseline skills. It was a contest that went down to the wire. Keerthivassan held his nerve in the opening-set tiebreak to take it 7-6(3), before Kamath struck back 6-3 in the second. In a tense deciding set, Keerthivassan managed to find the crucial breakthrough late, sealing the match 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-4 and with it, a maiden entry into the Fenesta Nationals final.
For a player who has quietly worked his way through the domestic circuit, this was a defining breakthrough.
Manish Sureshkumar the Other Finalist
Waiting for Keerthivassan in the final will be Manish Sureshkumar, who has been one of the most consistent performers in the Indian men’s tennis circuit. Manish has had his share of testing matches this week too.
In the quarterfinals, he was pushed to the brink by Nitin Kumar Sinha, recovering from a set down to win 1-6, 6-1, 7-6(7). The semifinal saw another shaky start against Ishaque Eqbal, but Manish regrouped superbly to storm through 1-6, 6-1, 6-1.
Manish’s ability to reset after early setbacks has been impressive, but he will know he cannot afford a slow start against Keerthivassan, who has been fearless in big moments.
Women’s Singles: Adkar and Nitture Set Up Final Clash
While the men’s side has thrown up surprises, the women’s singles has seen two of the country’s brightest young players, Vaishnavi Adkar and Akanksha Nitture, book their places in the final.
Vaishnavi has been ruthless all week. After a comfortable quarterfinal win over Sahira Singh (6-3, 6-1), she was at her commanding best in the semifinals, dismantling Soha Sadiq 6-1, 6-0. Her consistency and baseline depth have been unmatched.
On the other side, Akanksha Nitture showcased her resilience. She fought through a testing three-set quarterfinal against Saumya Ronde 7-6(0), 6-1, and in the semifinal, rallied past the experienced Jennifer Luikham 3-6, 6-2, 6-1. Her ability to switch gears after slow starts has been a defining feature of her campaign.
The final promises to be a compelling contest between Vaishnavi’s steady control and Nitture’s aggressive shot-making.
Fenesta Nationals: Breeding Ground for Indian Talent
The Fenesta Open Nationals have long been regarded as the most prestigious domestic event in Indian tennis.
For emerging players like Keerthivassan Suresh, this tournament represents a proving ground. It is where reputations are forged, where the gap between promise and performance is tested under pressure. His run to the final is not just a personal breakthrough but also a reflection of the depth and hunger in Indian men’s tennis.
The men’s singles final between Manish Sureshkumar and Keerthivassan Suresh is a classic clash of experience versus breakthrough energy. Manish will start favourite, but Keerthivassan’s fearless play and ability to win long three-setters make him a genuine contender.
In the women’s draw, Vaishnavi Adkar will be the favourite given her dominant form, but Akanksha Nitture has shown she can rise when challenged.
Whichever way the finals go, this edition of the Fenesta Nationals has already produced a story to remember Keerthivassan Suresh’s surprise run, which has added a fresh spark to the men’s game in India.
