By BD Narayankar
Bengaluru, Jan 10 (UNI) Spain’s Pedro Martinez (1) lifted the Bengaluru Open title, defeating Kazakhstan’s Timofey Skatov (6) 7-6, 6-3 in a match that showcased his control, composure, and tactical mastery.
In the context of professional tennis, Pedro Martinez (Pedro Martinez Portero) has now won eight ATP Challenger Tour singles titles, further cementing his standing as a rising star on the circuit.
The match was a study in consistency and mental strength. Martinez dictated play from the outset, using both his first and second serves to put pressure on Skatov. His ability to stay calm in critical moments, particularly in break points and the first-set tie-break, proved decisive. Precision and aggression worked in tandem: Martinez hit winners when needed while keeping unforced errors low, maintaining control of rallies throughout.
Net play added a tactical layer to his dominance. Both players were strong at the net, but Martinez’s combination of sharp volleys, smart shot selection, and consistent serving made his net game more effective. After a tightly contested first set that went to a tie-break, Martinez carried momentum into the second, breaking Skatov’s resistance and consolidating his lead with clean, tactical play.
The match underscored a broader lesson in professional tennis: winning isn’t just about hitting winners, it’s about efficiency, timing, tactical awareness, and performing under pressure. Martinez exhibited all these qualities, turning mental resilience and strategic execution into a straight-set victory and the Bengaluru Open crown.
In doubles action, Nicholos Barrientos and Benjamin Kittay lifted the Bengaluru Open trophy with a performance that combined nerves of steel, strategic brilliance, and flawless teamwork, keeping the stadium buzzing from the first serve to the final point.
The Colombian-American pair overcame a resilient A Reymond and L Sanchez in straight sets, 7-6, 7-5, in a final that was as much about tactical intelligence as shot-making.
The match began with Barrientos and Kittay conceding an early break, but they quickly regained composure, leveling the score and stabilizing momentum. The first set escalated into a tense tie-break, showcasing first-serve strength, poise under pressure, and the small margins that often define doubles tennis.
Barrientos and Kittay edged their opponents, converting crucial break opportunities with clinical precision.
Reymond and Sanchez remained dangerous, their reflexes at the net and quick transitions keeping rallies intense. Yet a few missed first serves and unconverted break points proved decisive. In the second set, Barrientos and Kittay carried momentum forward, applying pressure through aggressive serving, sharp volleys, and clever shot placement, ultimately winning 7-5.
The synergy between Kittay’s youthful fire and Barrientos’ calm, strategic approach allowed them to anticipate opponents’ moves and execute under pressure.
Tight rallies, daring cross-court winners, and decisive net play made every point a spectacle, while the Bengaluru crowd amplified the drama with roaring support. Off the court, Kittay shared a poignant reunion with mentor and longtime friend Rohan Bopanna, highlighting the personal side of his triumph.
The Bengaluru Open doubles final was more than numbers on a scorecard. It was a masterclass in composure, teamwork, and tactical intelligence, marking a career-defining victory for Barrientos and Kittay, and leaving fans with an unforgettable night of live tennis where skill met heart and strategy met composure.
