Prajnesh makes exit from US Open, loses steam after confident start against Medvedev

Prajnesh Gunneswaran got a taste of high level tennis in his first-round exit from the US Open, losing to world number five Daniil Medvedev in straight sets, here on Monday.

The gulf between Prajnesh and top-10 players were wide and apparent as he lost 4-6 1-6 26 to the Russian, who recently vanquished multiple Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic.

The Indian left-hander began aggressively but could not maintain intensity after losing the well-fought first set at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

The pressure, induced unending unforced errors from Prajnesh, who was trying too hard.

He had the heart to fight but lacked experience of playing at this level against the best in business.

Nevertheless, the 29-year-old from Chennai competed in all Grand Slams this season, though he is yet to win a round in singles main draw.

Long rallies featured from the word go, though, Prajnesh took some time to find his range.

The Indian dropped his serve in the very first game of the match but broke back Medvedev in