Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha, ranked 791 in the world ousted 215th-ranked Goncalo Oliveira 6-3, 6-7, 7-6 at the Mhalunge Balewadi Tennis Stadium to enter the second round. This was Poonacha’s 2nd biggest career win by ranking of opponent.

Poonacha shared his thoughts after the match –

On the upset win today

Going into the match, I had pretty much nothing to expect. Happy to get the wildcard and the goal was just to put my best foot forward. I had my chances in the 2nd set in the 5-4 and 6-5 game, but couldn’t break him. Even the tiebreak was pretty quick. I was able to hold strong in the third set. And was able to get my first serves in the tiebreak. That changed the course of it.

On the work being put behind his serve

Everyday. I am playing doubles now majorly, since my ranking is much higher there. And for doubles, the serve becomes more important. So that’s my biggest weapon. These courts suit me really well. Thanks to Mr. Sunder Iyer and Mr. Prashant Sutar for the wildcard. I would say I was able to make good use of the wildcard. I am looking forward to the next match.

On the great 2024 so far

I think 2024 has been really great for me. We had a good run in the doubles in Thailand where we made finals there. Then right after that the Davis Cup tie in Pakistan where I made my debut. Then the final in the Chennai Challenger.

Next goals

Bops (Bopanna) becoming the world no.1 and Sumit (Nagal) breaking the singles top 100 are huge motivators for us. We (him and his partner Rithvik) would like to break the doubles top 100 as soon as possible.

Expectations and experience in Pune

Pune has always been great. Last year I played the qualifying and did good and with my partner I got to play my first Challenger in Pune.

So it’s been a great event for me and this season I’m just looking for the same thingm to perform better and get used to the conditions and play better than before.