Indian tennis player Karan Singh delivered an impressive run at the ITF M25 Kolkata tournament, finishing as runner-up after a week of consistent performances.
The 21-year-old, ranked ATP No. 447, fell short in the final against Australia’s Philip Sekulic (ATP 504), losing 1-6, 6-7(1) in a match that saw momentum swing dramatically during the second set. Despite the defeat, Singh’s campaign in Kolkata marked one of his most notable performances of the season, highlighting his progress on the professional circuit and reaffirming his potential as one of India’s promising young tennis talents.
Tough Final Against Sekulic
The final saw Singh face the in-form Philip Sekulic, who controlled much of the opening set. The Australian started strongly, breaking Singh early and maintaining pressure throughout the first set to secure it comfortably 6-1. However, Singh showed resilience in the second set and fought back strongly. The Indian took control early in the set and built a 4-1 lead, putting himself in a strong position to push the match into a deciding third set.
But the contest turned in dramatic fashion. Sekulic managed to regain momentum, breaking back and forcing the set into a tiebreak. Once the match reached the tiebreaker, the Australian dominated proceedings and sealed the match 7-6(1) to lift the title.
For Singh, the loss was disappointing given his commanding position in the second set, but his overall performance across the tournament demonstrated his growing competitiveness at the professional level.
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Karan Singh’s journey to the final included several impressive victories, including a dramatic semifinal win over fellow Indian Sidharth Rawat. In the semifinal clash, Singh faced a tough challenge against the experienced Rawat, ranked ATP 680. Rawat started the match strongly and took the opening set 6-2, putting Singh under immediate pressure.
However, Singh responded with determination. He raised the intensity of his game in the second set, improving his serve and baseline consistency to level the match 6-4. The deciding set proved to be a tense battle between the two Indians. Singh held his nerve in the closing stages to secure a 7-5 victory, completing a comeback that earned him a place in the final.
The win demonstrated Singh’s ability to handle pressure and fight back from difficult situations, qualities that will be crucial as he continues his climb up the rankings.
Consistent Performances Throughout the Week
Before reaching the semifinals, Singh delivered solid performances throughout the earlier rounds of the tournament. He began his campaign with a straight-sets victory over Aditya Vishal Balsekar, winning 7-6(5), 6-4 in the round of 32. The tightly contested opening set showed Singh’s composure under pressure before he closed out the match efficiently in the second.
In the round of 16, Singh produced one of his most convincing performances of the tournament by defeating Bekkhhan Atlangeriev 6-2, 7-6(4). The match showcased Singh’s aggressive baseline play and ability to control rallies against a strong opponent. The quarterfinals presented another challenge as Singh faced Yurii Dzhavakian. After losing the first set 5-7, Singh staged another comeback, winning the next two sets 6-3, 7-5 to advance to the semifinals.
Valuable Ranking Points and Prize Money
Although Singh missed out on the title, finishing runner-up still represents a significant achievement in an ITF M25 event. For his efforts in Kolkata, the Indian will receive $2,701 (approximately ₹2.5 lakh) in prize money along with valuable ranking points. These points will play an important role in improving his ATP ranking and helping him gain entry into higher-level tournaments in the future.
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Karan Singh’s performance in Kolkata continues a steady upward trajectory in his career. Still early in his professional journey, he has already demonstrated the ability to compete strongly in ITF events and challenge experienced opponents. The run to the final also highlights his ability to recover from difficult situations, as seen in both the quarterfinal and semifinal matches where he came back from a set down.
While the final did not go his way, the week in Kolkata provided important match experience and confidence. With continued improvement and consistency, Singh will aim to convert such deep runs into titles in the near future.
For now, the runner-up finish at ITF M25 Kolkata stands as another encouraging milestone in Karan Singh’s developing career on the international tennis circuit.
