India’s rising tennis star Dhakshineswar Suresh continued his breakthrough run on the ATP Challenger circuit, defeating Alfredo Perez (USA) 6-4, 7-6(5) to reach the quarterfinals of the Lincoln Challenger.
It marks the 25-year-old’s second career ATP Challenger quarterfinal and further extends his winning streak to seven matches across levels. Ranked World No. 555, Suresh displayed exceptional composure and tactical clarity to overcome the higher-ranked Perez (World No. 331) in an hour and 52 minutes a win that cements his momentum following a string of dominant ITF and collegiate-level results in recent months.
From 1–3 Down to Turning the Match Around
The contest began with Perez asserting early control, capitalizing on his powerful first serve and forehand to break Suresh and take a 3–1 lead in the opening set. But what followed was a showcase of the Indian’s resilience and improved mental fortitude. Facing 0–40 on serve at 1–3, Suresh held his ground, saving three break points with aces and deep body serves. That pivotal hold shifted the rhythm entirely.
From there, the Indian began reading Perez’s patterns more effectively particularly his cross-court forehand and broke back in the sixth game. With both players holding comfortably thereafter, Suresh made his move at 5–4, converting his first set point with a searing forehand winner down the line.
If the first set was about turning the tide, the second was a battle of margins. Alfredo got broken early in the 2nd set. But in the next game, Suresh got broken and the set became more even
Both players traded breaks midway through the set before settling into a nerve-wracking sequence of holds. The match reached a tiebreak after a series of long games at 5–5 and 6–6, with both saving break points under pressure.
In the tiebreak, Suresh trailed 0–2 early but quickly flipped the momentum. Mixing in flat first serves with clever placement, he reeled off four straight points to lead 4–2. Perez struck back to 5–5, but the Indian produced a clutch ace and a perfectly-timed forehand pass on match point to close out the win 7–5 in the breaker.
The Numbers Behind the Win
The statistics reflected Suresh’s steady balance of power and precision:
- Aces: 11 to Perez’s 5
- 1st Serve Points Won: 77% (34/44)
- 2nd Serve Points Won: 56%
- Break Points Saved: 6 of 8 (75%)
- Service Points Won Overall: 70%
His ability to recover from early pressure and sustain high first-serve efficiency was the decisive factor. Perez, by contrast, landed a slightly higher first-serve percentage (70%) but won fewer points behind it (63%) and struggled to convert break chances, going 2 of 8.
The performance also underlined Suresh’s growing maturity particularly in how he handled long, tight games deep in the second set. He won 6 of 9 service games that went to deuce, showing an ability to maintain tactical clarity even when extended.
A Year of Rapid Growth
This latest victory continues what has been a transformative year for Dhakshineswar Suresh. The Chennai-born player, who competed in the NCAA circuit during his college years, has transitioned impressively onto the professional tour since India’s Davis Cup tie earlier this season.
Since then, his results have surged:
- A 10-match win streak that began at the ITA All-American Championships and extended through the Winston-Salem Futures.
- Breakthrough victories against higher-ranked opponents, including Alex Rybakov earlier this week in Lincoln.
- Improved serve speed and efficiency, now averaging 11 aces per match across his last four outings.
His recent form reflects a marked leap in both physical conditioning and shot selection particularly his ability to mix first-serve placement and second-shot aggression, a combination often lacking in Indian men’s tennis beyond the top tier.
Tactical Insight: How Suresh Beat Perez
Perez, who entered the match with two ITF titles this year and a solid record indoors, relied heavily on a big serve and forehand-heavy offense. However, Suresh’s ability to vary return depth and pace forced the American into longer rallies, where his backhand inconsistencies began to surface.
Crucially, Suresh’s adaptability on slower indoor conditions allowed him to dictate tempo better in key moments. His return positioning several feet behind the baseline early in rallies but moving forward on second serves neutralised Perez’s primary weapon.
In both sets, the Indian’s ability to absorb early aggression and then switch to counter-punching mode underscored his evolving match IQ.
Suresh now advances to face Patrick Kypson (World No. 169) in the quarterfinals. Kypson, known for his baseline control and compact movement, will pose a different kind of challenge one that will test Suresh’s patience in prolonged exchanges.
But with his current momentum and confidence, the Indian looks well-poised to push for his maiden Challenger semifinal.
Suresh’s emergence adds to a promising trend in Indian men’s tennis, where a new wave of players including Karan Singh, Manas Dhamne, and Sumit Nagal are collectively raising the country’s presence on the ATP Challenger circuit.
While the top-200 breakthrough remains the immediate goal, performances like this one in Lincoln show that India’s next line of talent is both technically and mentally better equipped than in recent years.
With his second Challenger quarterfinal now secured, Dhakshineswar Suresh continues to close in on the ATP Top 400 mark a realistic short-term target given his current form. His powerful serve, improved court positioning, and poise under pressure make him one of the most watchable young Indians on tour.
As he prepares for the next round, one thing is clear: Suresh isn’t just winning matches he’s announcing his arrival as a serious contender on the Challenger Tour.
Result:
🇮🇳 Dhakshineswar Suresh (555) def. 🇺🇸 Alfredo Perez (331) 6–4, 7–6(5)
Next: vs winner of Kypson (169) in the Quarterfinals
