In the Asian Games 2023, the Indian pair, Ramkumar Ramanathan and Saketh Myneni, were defeated in straight sets by the Taiwanese team in the men's doubles tennis final, securing a silver medal for India.
The unseeded Taipei duo, consisting of Hsu (ranked 182) and Jung (ranked 231), showcased their superior singles rankings in their gameplay, securing a 6-4 6-4 win over the second-seeded Indian team in the finals.
Hsu demonstrated a robust baseline game with powerful serves, while Jung displayed quick reflexes at the net. For Ramkumar, this marks his debut medal at the Asian Games, while Myneni adds a third, having previously secured a men's doubles silver alongside Sanam Singh and a mixed doubles gold with Sania Mirza in the 2014 Incheon Games.
This medal is the first in tennis for this edition of the Games. While India bagged three medals in the 2018 Indonesia Games, they will be taking home only two from Hangzhou. Rohan Bopanna and Rutuja Bhosale have also guaranteed a medal by reaching the mixed doubles semifinals, but other Indian contenders have been eliminated from various events.
The men's doubles final saw both teams holding their serves in the initial three games. The first point on the opponent's serve came when Jung double-faulted in the fourth game. The score was tied at 2-2, with both teams showcasing exceptional serving skills.
Ramkumar faced pressure on his serve when Hsu delivered a remarkable forehand winner, leading 30-0. At 30-all, Jung's service return winner presented the match's first breakpoint. The Taipei duo capitalized on this, with Jung executing a volley winner. Hsu further extended their lead to 4-2, aided by his deep returns and some errors from the Indian side.
While Jung had minor challenges with his initial serves, Hsu's net game was impeccable. Serving to stay in the set, Ramkumar started with a double fault but compensated with two aces. The set concluded in Taipei's favor, thanks to Hsu's consistent serves.
In the second set, Ramkumar's serve was again under scrutiny. Facing a 15-30 deficit in the third game, he double-faulted, giving Taipei two break opportunities, but managed to hold his serve. Later, with Myneni serving at 15-all in the ninth game, a series of strong returns from the Taipei team led to them gaining two break chances. They capitalized on the second opportunity.
The match concluded in Taipei's favor when Myneni's backhand went beyond the baseline, marking their victory.athan and Saketh Myneni, were defeated in straight sets by the Taiwanese team in the men's doubles tennis final, securing a silver medal for India.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Watch: PCB chief Zaka Ashraf's 'Dushman Mulk' reference toward India befuddles fans after Babar Azam's men receive grand welcome in Hyderabad
Teenager Palak sets Asian Games record with maiden gold in 10m Air Pistol Women's Individual Final, Esha Singh wins Silver ahead of Pakistani shooter
