India’s rising tennis star Dhakshineswar Suresh produced a statement performance at the ATP 75 Charlottesville Challenger, toppling second seed and World No.121 Liam Draxl of Canada in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 in the opening round.
The Chennai-born qualifier delivered his best career win by ranking, showcasing a blend of aggression, composure, and tactical maturity that left the local crowd in awe. With this victory, the 22-year-old Indian notched his 11th win in his last 12 matches, continuing an incredible run that has seen him climb steadily up the ATP rankings this season.
Suresh, ranked World No.568, entered the match as a heavy underdog against Draxl, who had been in fine form through the North American swing. But from the very first game, the Indian set the tone holding serve confidently and attacking returns with precision. Armed with a booming forehand and an unrelenting baseline presence, Suresh broke Draxl’s serve early in both sets and never looked back. His six aces and sharp first-strike tennis repeatedly put the Canadian on the defensive, while his willingness to step inside the court on returns paid rich dividends.
The numbers told the story of domination:
•First serve points won: 77%
•Second serve points won: 57%
•Break points converted: 4/5
•Receiving points won: 24
By contrast, Draxl who served at 65% struggled to find rhythm, hitting three double faults and winning just 60% of his first serve points.
The Indian’s superior serve-return balance, coupled with his confidence in longer rallies, allowed him to close both sets with authority. He didn’t face a single tiebreak and wrapped up the match in just over 80 minutes.
For a player outside the world’s top 500, Suresh’s poise under pressure stood out. Each time Draxl attempted to claw back momentum — particularly midway through the second set Suresh found answers. His ability to construct points intelligently, mixing heavy topspin with flat forehands down the line, neutralized Draxl’s backhand and forced errors from the Canadian. It was a performance that spoke volumes about his growth in 2025. Once known primarily for his explosive shot-making, Suresh has added consistency, improved his serve percentage, and developed a calm on-court demeanor that allows him to navigate tight moments effectively.
The work he’s been putting in on the U.S. ITF circuit is clearly paying off. His confidence, built through back-to-back finals appearances earlier this month, has carried seamlessly into this Challenger event and the results are showing.
Best Career Win by Ranking
The victory over Draxl a former NCAA standout and top-150 regular marks Suresh’s best career win by opponent ranking. For a qualifier coming through with limited Challenger-level exposure, this was more than just a good day at the office; it was a signal of intent. With this win, Suresh has now taken out a player more than 400 spots above him in the ATP rankings. The composure and court presence he displayed against a seasoned opponent like Draxl underscore the strides he’s made in both physical and mental aspects of the game.
Up next, Suresh will face Mitchell Krueger (USA, World No.242) in the second round. The 30-year-old American, a former World No.135, brings experience and consistency but Suresh’s recent form and momentum make this an intriguing contest. If the Indian can maintain the same serving rhythm and aggressive shot selection, he has a genuine opportunity to reach the Round of 16 in one of the strongest Challenger draws of the season.
Suresh’s 2025 campaign has been all about steady progress from grinding through ITF Futures events to making Challenger main draws. His ability to handle transitions between levels, especially on hard courts, has been particularly impressive.
Dhakshineswar Suresh’s rise reflects the new wave of Indian tennis talent making its mark beyond the ITF circuit. Alongside the likes of Aryan Shah and Karan Singh, Suresh has been quietly building a reputation for his work ethic and aggressive baseline game. His victory over Draxl will undoubtedly boost his confidence and ranking, but more importantly, it cements his belief that he belongs at this level.
After the match, Suresh spoke briefly about his mindset coming into the event:
Match Summary
ATP 75 Charlottesville Challenger (Round of 32)
🇮🇳 (Q) Dhakshineswar Suresh [WR 568] def. 🇨🇦 (2) Liam Draxl [WR 121] 6-3, 6-3 | Duration: 1h 22m
With 11 wins in his last 12 matches, a top-125 scalp, and a growing belief in his game, Dhakshineswar Suresh’s march at the Charlottesville Challenger is turning heads.
Next stop: Mitchell Krueger (USA) and another chance to make Indian tennis proud.
