In a candid post-match interview, Indian tennis player Manas Dhamne reflected on a tough loss that saw him surrender a strong lead in the opening set.

Speaking openly about his mental approach, challenging playing conditions, and the adjustments between junior and men’s events, Dhamne offered honest insights into both his performance and areas for growth.

Despite the disappointment, he acknowledged his opponent’s strong play and emphasized the importance of continued learning in his tennis journey.

Q) Can you sum up the match?

Dhamne – The result wasn’t as I wanted of course. In the first set I had double break, 4-1 30-0 up. But I think I went a bit casual there in my mental approach. But he played really well. He took the chance immediately and he deserved to win the match from there and that’s it.

Q) Would you say it was a high level match?

Dhamne – Yeah definitely. It was good points. I cannot say from his side because it’s the first time I saw him so I don’t know how he usually plays. From my side, wouldn’t say the highest level. It was a normal match.

Q) What was your game plan coming into the match?

Dhamne – The game plan was just to focus on myself by trying to be mentally fresh throughout the match. The focus was on myself and not the opponent.

Q) You played in a different venue for qualifying. Did you feel any difference playing today in the main venue?

Dhamne – Honestly, I prefer to play in the qualifying venue. Today, it was difficult for me because on one side it was against the wind and sometimes in the middle of the point the wind just came, and it was not easy. But I don’t want to complain about this and that. The opponent just deserved to win and that’s it.

Q) Anything you could have done differently in hindsight?

Dhamne – If I would repeat the 4-1 30-0 point, I would love to have put the approach shot back in the court. He just became became more confident in making a comeback from there on. 5-1 and 4-2 would have been a big difference.

Q) Game-wise, you’ve played a lot of Men’s events coming into this tournament. Is it mental thing to adjust to Juniors? Or was this match like a Men’s match?

Dhamne – I have to say that the way he played today was definitely like a Men’s match. I don’t know if he has played Futures. But definitely he played good Tennis.

It’s a process. My toss (on serve) is not consistent at all. That’s why the serve is very up and down. But I still learn. I have to keep working and hope it gets better and better.