AITA Men’s Open: Kesarwani, Sood and Bisht Advance in Kaladhungi Second Round
The second round of the main draw at the All India Tennis Association Men’s Open saw a series of decisive victories on Tuesday, as athletes battled for position at the Optimum Tennis Academy in Chunakhan, Kaladhungi. The day’s action was characterized by several dominant straight-set wins, though some competitors were forced into grueling three-set encounters to secure their progression.
Among the standout performances was Vansh Bisht, who delivered one of the most one-sided matches of the day, defeating Vansh Yadav with a commanding 6-0, 6-1 scoreline. Similarly, Lakshit Sood showcased strong form, overcoming Jayant Dingra 6-2, 6-1 to move forward in the tournament.
Sajal Kesarwani also secured a comfortable victory, dispatching Anish Prashant 6-3, 6-2. Kesarwani’s presence in the draw aligns with his participation in other high-level competitions, including the ITF M15 Ahmedabad 2026, signaling his active pursuit of points on the professional circuit.
Match Results: Second Round Main Draw
The Tuesday slate featured a variety of match dynamics, from clinical efficiency to hard-fought rallies. Here is the full breakdown of the verified results from the Optimum Tennis Academy:
- Sajal Kesarwani def. Anish Prashant: 6-3, 6-2
- Vansh Bisht def. Vansh Yadav: 6-0, 6-1
- Chandra Siddharth def. Prashant Proch: 5-7, 6-2, 6-4
- Chandril Sood def. Amandeep Singh: 6-4, 6-3
- Ansh Harsh def. Daksh Singh: 6-3, 7-5
- Vansh Nandal def. Moksh Reddy: 6-2, 6-2
- Lakshit Sood def. Jayant Dingra: 6-2, 6-1
For those unfamiliar with the format, the “main draw” represents the primary bracket of the tournament where the top-seeded and qualified players compete directly for the title, as opposed to the qualifying rounds. A “straight-set” win occurs when a player wins the first two sets in a best-of-three match, avoiding the need for a deciding third set.
Battle of Endurance
While many matches ended quickly, Chandra Siddharth faced the steepest climb of the day. Siddharth dropped the opening set 5-7 to Prashant Proch, putting his tournament hopes at risk. However, Siddharth managed to shift the momentum, claiming the next two sets 6-2, 6-4 to clinch the victory. This resilience highlights the mental toughness required to navigate the AITA circuit.
Other tight contests included the match between Ansh Harsh and Daksh Singh, where Harsh narrowly secured the second set 7-5 to close out the match 6-3, 7-5.
Circuit Context and Player Trajectories
The talent pool at the Kaladhungi event reflects a broader trend of Indian players competing across multiple tiers of professional tennis. Several athletes from this draw, including Chandril Sood and Lakshit Sood, are also listed in the entry rosters for the M15 Ahmedabad tournament. This crossover between national AITA events and International Tennis Federation (ITF) M15 tournaments is a standard pathway for players looking to climb the global rankings.
The Optimum Tennis Academy in Chunakhan continues to serve as a pivotal venue for these regional opens, providing the infrastructure necessary for the All India Tennis Association to host competitive men’s open draws in the Uttarakhand region.
Key Takeaways from the Second Round
- Dominant Form: Vansh Bisht and Lakshit Sood recorded the most dominant wins, both conceding only one or zero games in a set.
- Resilience: Chandra Siddharth was the only player among the winners to recover from a set deficit, winning in three.
- Professional Pipeline: The presence of players like Sajal Kesarwani and the Sood brothers underscores the link between local AITA events and the ITF professional tour.
The tournament now moves into the subsequent stages as the winners of these second-round matches prepare for their next opponents. Official updates on the remaining bracket and scheduling will be provided as the tournament progresses.
Do you have a favorite player in the AITA circuit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
