Guj’s Dev goes down fighting in 1st round

Ahmedabad: Dev Javia’s — India’s No 1 in under-18 boys' — lost his first-round singles match against Antonie Ghiboudo of France 4-6, 6-3, 3-6 at the French Open Juniors at the Roland Garros on Monday.

After losing the first set 4-6, the Ahmedabad teenager fought back strongly to win the second 6-3. However, he lost his steam in the deciding set to lose 3-6.

Coach Shrimal Bhatt expressed satisfaction with Dev’s performance.

“We came to France under difficult conditions as Dev lacked match practice. He had not played any competitive event since February. But he tried his best here in Paris at such temperature (10 degree C) and played very well,’’ said Shrimal from Paris

“I am sure Dev will improve with more European erxposure. This experience will help him adjust better to conditions for his doubles match,’’ added Bhatt.

Dev will start his campaign in the doubles first round with his Chinese partner Hanwn Li against E Agafonav of Russia and P Fajta of Hungary on Tuesday.