India's singles challenge at French Open ends in qualifiers

India’s hopes of a singles entry in the main draw at the French Open were dashed when Saketh Myneni was knocked out in the qualifiers by Frances Tiafoe of the United States, in Paris, on Wednesday.

Seeded 28th and ranked 147, Myneni had his moments before losing 6-7(5), 5-7 in a second round qualifying match.

Trailing 2-5 in the first set, he staged a splendid recovery, but wasted a set point in the 12th game.

The 188-ranked American not only saved the set point but also erased a 2-5 deficit in the tie-breaker, winning five straight points.

The 28-year-old Indian, who overcame Korea's Duckhee Lee 1-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 in the first round, conceded a 4-1 lead in the second set, but kept fighting and drew breast at 4-4, breaking Tiafoe in the eighth after staving off a break-point.

Eventually, he dropped serve in the 12th game, allowing Tiafoe advance to the second round.

Ramkumar Ramanathan was knocked out on Monday in the first round, beaten 3-6, 3-6 by Matthew Barton of Australia.

Image: Saketh Myneni

Photograph: Twitter