The 17-year-old went out in the Junior French Open second round (Image via X/@asian_tennis)
Hitesh, ranked 83, the last player into the qualifying draw, weathered four matches in five days and was running low on energy on Tuesday. In the third game (30-15) of the third set, Hitesh took a tumble while chasing a drop shot. The 17-year-old responded to the situation admirably, he returned to the court and won three of the next four games to take a 4-2 lead. Hitesh, who motored around his backhand, to use his forehand, his stronger shot, had 14 winners of that flank, nine of which came in the third set. In the seventh game, the Indian had two chances to extend his lead to 5-2, but Willwerth held and won the next three games before Hitesh levelled at 5-5.
His groundstrokes fell short and his court coverage a tad slow. He rolled over his shoulder and the trainer was called on court.
Hitesh led 6-5, but Willwerth nailed the next five points to seal the match. Do you think Hitesh Chauhan has the potential to become a top player? Hitesh, a talent Indian tennis would do well to invest in, given his attitude and speed around the rectangle, was running on reserve in the super-tie-break.