Karan Singh Battles Past Kokoro Isomura in a Gritty Three-Set Win at Playford Challenger

Indian tennis player Karan Singh earned one of the most hard-fought victories of his season, defeating Japan’s Kokoro Isomura in a roller-coaster three-setter in the opening round of the Playford Challenger.

Coming into the match on the back of a difficult run in Europe, Karan needed a confidence-boosting win and he delivered exactly that with a performance built on resilience, power hitting, and improved rally tolerance.

The match had all the twists of a classic Challenger-level duel. Karan, who entered the contest ranked ATP 467, started brightly and held a commanding 5–3 lead in the first set. Serving for the set, he appeared in full control before a lapse in focus allowed Isomura ATP 543 to climb back, eventually stealing the set. For a player whose biggest criticism has been inconsistency under pressure, this could easily have become the turning point against him.

Instead, it became the spark.

A Turnaround Rooted in Composure

Rather than letting the disappointment carry over, Karan reset himself admirably. In the second set, he displayed an improved baseline rhythm, staying more patient during rallies while still firing his trademark forehand winners. The stat sheet backed this shift in momentum: Karan won 78% of his 1st-serve points (39/50), compared to Isomura’s 62%. His 13 aces against only two from the Japanese further underlined how effectively he used his serve to regain control.

Isomura, known for his grinding style and deep rally tolerance, typically frustrates opponents by making them play one extra ball. But on this day, Karan matched him blow for blow, handling longer exchanges with greater discipline than usual. His ability to redirect pace and step inside the baseline was a noticeable upgrade from his recent outings in Europe.

Decider Drama: From 1–3 Down to 6–3

The third set encapsulated everything about Karan’s evolution. Down 1–3, facing a break deficit, he looked vulnerable again particularly since Isomura is a player who thrives when he senses mental weakness. But from that moment, the Indian produced his most complete stretch of tennis.

He reeled off five straight games, breaking Isomura’s rhythm by mixing heavy topspin from deep with sudden backhand line accelerations. His returning also clicked winning 38% of first-serve return points and 45% on second-serve returns forcing Isomura into uncomfortable pockets of the court and drawing errors.

Perhaps the most defining stat of the match was Karan’s ability to save key break points: 67% (6/9). Every time Isomura looked poised to swing the momentum, Karan steadied himself behind a big first serve or a fearless groundstroke.

From 1–3 down, he surged to 6–3, sealing the match with the kind of conviction that has often been missing during his Challenger attempts this year.

A Much-Needed Confidence Booster

This victory carries tremendous value for Karan. Not only was Isomura a difficult stylistic matchup a counterpuncher capable of stretching rallies and exposing Karan’s traditionally low rally tolerance but the Japanese also brings a wealth of experience grinding out long points. For Karan to outlast such an opponent physically and mentally marks a significant step forward.

It was not long ago that Isomura was producing solid runs at Challenger events like Zhangjiagang and competing well at the M25 level. Even though his recent form has dipped with losses to Kusuhara and a fatigued Sho Shimabukuro the matchup still demanded tactical discipline. Karan delivered exactly that.

If he can maintain this level of baseline consistency and bravery in pressure moments, he could be a dangerous presence in the coming weeks. For now, the win gives him exactly what he needed: belief.

Heading into the match, most analysts expected Isomura to win. Karan’s form on the Challenger circuit had been patchy, while Isomura’s grinding style was seen as a direct exploit of Karan’s weaknesses. The combination of long travel for the Japanese player and Karan’s desire to finish the season strong added intrigue, but the prediction still leaned toward Isomura.

However, Karan flipped the script with his serve, aggression, and surprisingly strong rally tolerance proving decisive.

Next Up: Duckworth or Imamura

The challenge stiffens from here. Karan will now face either James Duckworth one of Australia’s seasoned Challenger forces or Yuta Imamura. Both pose a different threat from Isomura: more attacking, more proactive, and more physically demanding. But Karan goes in with renewed momentum. Today’s win was a reminder of what he can produce when he stays composed and plays with clarity.

If consistency follows, he may not just finish the season strong he may finally belong at this level.