Targu Jiu, Romania – Indian teenager Manas Dhamne pulled off a major upset on the eve of India’s Independence Day, defeating top seed and World No. 378 Ionel Nicholas David 4-6 7-6(5) 7-5 in the International Tennis Federation M15 Targu Jiu Romania quarterfinal.

The 16-year-old, ranked World No. 1213, saved three match points in the 3rd set before coming from behind to win the match. The victory was a major confidence booster for Dhamne, who is still relatively new to the professional tennis circuit.

Interestingly, Ionel, who was ranked as high as 184 last year, had beaten Indian No. 1 singles player Sumit Nagal on clay by 7-5 7-6 scoreline just a week before Nagal’s Rome Challenger title last year.

Dhamne’s victory was a major upset, but it was not entirely unexpected. The Indian has been showing signs of promise for some time, and he has been improving rapidly in recent months. His victory over Ionel was a testament to his talent and determination.