Indian tennis player Dhakshineswar Suresh continued his impressive run on the ITF circuit, defending his M15 Winston-Salem title in commanding fashion.
The 25-year-old didn’t drop a single set throughout the week, producing a near-flawless display of aggressive yet composed tennis that highlighted how much he has evolved over the past year.
Prelude: A Statement Run at ITA All-American Championships
Before heading into Winston-Salem, DK Suresh competed at the ITA All-American Championships, one of the most prestigious events on the U.S. college circuit. As the top seed in the main draw, he lived up to the billing, registering a string of gritty wins against strong opponents.
He began by defeating Bryce Nakashima in the opening round and then survived a hard-fought battle against Vlad Breazu in the second. His third-round victory came over Duncan Chan of TCU, which secured him a direct berth into the upcoming NCAA Championships a significant milestone in collegiate tennis.
That run reaffirmed his ability to transition smoothly between college tennis and professional ITF events, both physically and mentally demanding circuits.
In 2024, DK had clinched the M15 Winston-Salem title by defeating his college teammate Luca Pow in a three-set final, dropping two sets throughout the tournament. This time, he returned as the No. 2 seed, with greater confidence, sharper consistency, and a point to prove.
What unfolded over five matches was a showcase of total domination.
R1 – Beating the Junior Star
His campaign began against Keaton Hance, a Top 20 ITF junior from the United States who recently captured the US Open Junior Doubles title. Despite Hance’s rising reputation, DK imposed himself right from the start, dictating baseline exchanges and exploiting his opponent’s second serve with sharp returns.
He wrapped up the contest 6-1, 6-2, setting the tone for what would become a ruthless week.
R2 – Taking Down a Former Top-400 Player
Next up was Nathan Ponwith, a seasoned American who had once cracked the ATP Top 400. The match could have posed a challenge, but DK’s control never wavered. With a high first-serve percentage and precise placement, he forced Ponwith into defensive positions, closing the match 6-3, 6-2.
The early rounds revealed a key improvement in DK’s game his ability to win free points on serve while maintaining relentless pressure on return.
QF – Dismantling the Fifth Seed
In the quarterfinal, DK faced Pedro Rodrigues of Brazil, the fifth seed and a consistent performer on the ITF Tour. What followed was a demolition. DK’s groundstrokes were deep and heavy, his court coverage outstanding, and Rodrigues had no answers. The Indian cruised to a 6-3, 6-0 victory, arguably his most dominant showing of the week.
That win underlined his growing reputation as a player who not only wins but overwhelms his opponents.
SF – Finally Getting One Over Martin Borisiouk
The semifinal was more personal. DK took on Martin Borisiouk, a player who had defeated him twice earlier in the college season. Borisiouk came into Winston-Salem after a semifinal finish at M15 Astana, making him one of the form players on tour.
The opening set was a tight tussle, both players holding firm until DK edged it in a tiebreaker. With momentum on his side, he elevated his level in the second, breaking early and maintaining the lead to win 7-6, 6-3.
It was a victory that carried more weight than just a place in the final it marked DK’s first win over Borisiouk in three meetings and a sign of how much his game had matured since their previous encounters.
Final – A Clinical Revenge Over Shunsuke Mitsui
In the championship clash, DK met Shunsuke Mitsui from Japan, a top college player who had represented the University of Arizona. Mitsui had defeated DK in straight sets last season during the college circuit, and this final offered the perfect opportunity for redemption.
DK didn’t waste it. In a breathtaking performance, he bageled Mitsui in the first set 6-0, showcasing near-perfect control on serve and laser-sharp returns. The second set was more competitive, but DK maintained his composure, breaking at crucial junctures to close out the final 6-0, 6-3.
In just over an hour, he sealed his second consecutive M15 Winston-Salem title this time without dropping a set and losing only one set to a tiebreaker throughout the week.
What made DK’s title defense special wasn’t just the scorelines, but how he achieved them. His first-serve percentage remained consistently high, giving him control in almost every service game. His return games, especially against second serves, were a major weapon forcing opponents into long rallies and frequent errors.
That balance of power and patience made him virtually untouchable through the tournament.
The week got even better when DK teamed up with Andrew Delgado (USA) to win the men’s doubles title. The duo fought back after losing the opening set to defeat Lucas Andrade da Silva (BRA) and Paul Barbier Gazeu (FRA) 6-7(3), 6-2, [10-6].
It was DK’s third doubles title on the ITF Pro Tour—a testament to his versatility and endurance.
With this title, DK Suresh climbs to a new career-high ranking, breaking into the Top 560 of the ATP rankings. His next stop is the USA Indoor Challenger Series, starting with the Lincoln Challenger from October 13th, where he joins Aryan Shah in the main draw, while Ramkumar Ramanathan features in the qualifiers.
As DK continues his steady ascent through the professional ranks, the Winston-Salem double singles and doubles stands as a defining chapter in his development. It was not just about defending a title, but about underlining his readiness for the next level of men’s tennis.
