Kolkata: Five-time national champion Rushmi Chakravarthi overcame a stiff challenge from Sri Vaishnavi Peddi Reddy before winning 6-7 (3) 7-6(2) 7-5 in a three-hour battle to clinch the title in the Indian Jute-AITA National grass-court tennis at the South Club courts on Saturday.
At 16, Sri Vaishnavi is less than half the age of the 34-year-old veteran, but the Andhra girl gave Rushmi a top fight as she took the first set in a tie-breaker.
Rushmi used her experience to prevail in the next two sets and seal the issue.
"Grass is my favourite surface and I just went out and gave my best today. I was playing slower than my usual self so just looked to hang in there and let my opponent make the mistakes," Rushmi said.
She had on Friday won the women`s doubles with Ankita Raina of Gujarat.
In a battle between two Andhra players, Saketh Myneni defeated defending champion Suresh Krishna 6-3 6-4 to win the singles title.
Saketh hoped to continue the momentum and earn a place in the Davis Cup squad.
Results (all finals): Men`s Singles: Saketh Myneni (AP) b Suresh Krishna (AP) 6-3 6-4.
Women`s Singles: Rushmi Chakravarthi (TN) b Sri vaishnavi Peddi Reddy (AP) 6-7 (3) 7-6 (2) 7-5. Men`s Doubles: Mohit Mayur Jayaprakash (TN)/ Mohamed Fariz (TN) b Rupesh Roy (Ben)/ Christopher Marquis (Mah) 6-3 6-4.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, February 11, 2012, 22:17