TENNIS | Clinical Smith proves too good for Sekulic

A clinical Keegan Smith outclassed Philip Sekulic 6-2, 7-5 in the final to emerge as the Karnataka Open ATP Challenger singles champion at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium here on Saturday (May 16, 2026). 

The Indian duo of Niki Poonacha and Saketh Myneni took top honours in doubles, defeating Petr Bar Biryukov-Grigoriy Lomakin 6-2, 6-3 in the summit clash.

Indians Niki Poonacha and Saketh Myneni after claiming the doubles title in the Karnataka Open ATP Challenger at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium, in Bengaluru on May 16, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR

The unseeded Poonacha-Myneni notched up a first tournament win together. The occasion was particularly sweet for Poonacha, who claimed a maiden Challenger title in his home city. 

“We decided to play together just last week,” 38-year-old Myneni said. 

Myneni stated that the pairing worked well because Poonacha’s aggressive game complements his measured style. 

Keegan Smith the singles winner in action against Philip Sekulic in the final of the Karnataka Open ATP Challenger at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium, in Bengaluru on May 16, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR

Poonacha and Myneni took home $2,980 and 50 ATP points. 

In the singles, Smith’s all-round game won the day. The 6’7” American showed fantastic court coverage to frustrate Sekulic (world no. 357). When top-seed Smith came to the net, his soft touch — evidenced by a delicious backhand half-volley in the first set — drew applause from the crowd. 

Sekulic’s electric forehand, which worked so well in his semifinal win over Kriish Tyagi, could not find the mark on Saturday. Smith (world no. 289) did not make it easy either, keeping his returns deep and flat. 

Smith claimed $9,500 and 50 ATP ranking points, while Sekulic collected $5,500 and 25 ATP points.

The results (final): Keegan Smith (USA) bt Philip Sekulic (Aus) 6-2, 7-5. 

Doubles: Niki Poonacha & Saketh Myneni bt Petr Bar Biryukov & Grigoriy Lomakin (Kaz) 6-2, 6-3.