Indian tennis player Manas Dhamne achieved a significant milestone by reaching his maiden ATP Challenger final in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, showcasing his rising talent on the professional circuit.
India's rising tennis talent Manas Dhamne scripted a breakthrough run by storming into his maiden ATP Challenger final with a straight-sets win over France's Antoine Ghibaudo in Shymkent, Kazakhstan on Saturday.
The 18-year-old Indian produced a composed and aggressive display to pip Ghibaudo 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinals of the clay court tournament.
After edging a tight opening set with a late break, he raised his level in the second, dictating rallies from the baseline and closing out the contest without much trouble.
The victory marks a significant milestone in Dhamne's young career, making him one of the few Indian teenagers to reach an ATP Challenger final.
His run this week is expected to give a substantial boost to his ranking and confidence as he continues his transition from junior to professional circuit.
He is likely to break into the top-400 on Monday.
Dhamne will now aim to cap off his dream week with a title when he takes the court in the final against Belgium's Buvaysar Gadamauri on Sunday.