Alternates Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and N. Sriram Balaji concluded their memorable 2023 Australian Open debut on KIA Arena with a competitive 4-6, 4-6 second-round loss to French veterans Jeremy Chardy and Fabrice Martin.
Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan & N. Sriram Balaji · Men’s Doubles R2
KIA Arena · Courtside Gallery| Round | Match | Score | Result | Match Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | (Alt)Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan (IND) / N. Sriram Balaji (IND) d. (5)Ivan Dodig (CRO) / Austin Krajicek (USA) | 7-6(6), 2-6, 6-4 | WON | Stunned Roland Garros finalists in R1 |
| R2 | (Alt)Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan (IND) / N. Sriram Balaji (IND) l. Jeremy Chardy (FRA) / Fabrice Martin (FRA) | 4-6, 4-6 | LOST | Battled on KIA Arena in Round 2 |
The ‘Alternates’ dream ended at the hands of the seasoned French pair of Jeremy Chardy and Fabrice Martin 4-6 4-6. The team of Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Sriram Balaji had miraculously gotten into the Men’s Doubles draw at Melbourne Park yesterday and had caused a huge upset by beating the 5th seeds and French Open finalists Dodig/Krajicek in straight sets.
The pair got a chance to play at Kia Arena, the 4th largest court at Melbourne Park, and will take immense confidence from this experience going into the rest of the season.
Photos from the match –
