India’s Vaishnavi Adkar endured a frustrating outing as a string of unforced errors led to a straight-sets defeat against Aunchisa Chanta, handing Thailand a 1-0 lead in their opening Asia/Oceania Group I tie of the Billie Jean King Cup on Tuesday.
Despite being ranked 73 places higher at 383, Vaishnavi struggled to settle and went down 1-6, 3-6 in one hour and 13 minutes at the DLTA Centre Court. The match got underway after a delay of more than three hours due to persistent drizzle, with the cooler conditions adding another layer of challenge.
Vaishnavi made a nervous start, dropping serve in the opening game amid a cluster of errors. She showed brief resistance in a prolonged third game, saving three break points and stretching the contest across seven deuces, but Aunchisa held her nerve to secure a 3-0 lead with a crisp down-the-line backhand winner.
The Thai left-hander, who employs a rare double-handed forehand, controlled proceedings from the baseline and surged to a 4-0 advantage. Vaishnavi managed to get on the scoreboard in the fifth game, but the momentum remained firmly with Aunchisa, who wrapped up the opening set in just 23 minutes as errors continued to plague the Indian.
The second set offered a flicker of hope when Vaishnavi secured an early break, but she was unable to consolidate and immediately dropped serve. The inconsistency persisted, with double faults creeping in and groundstrokes repeatedly sailing long. A love hold conceded in the fourth game further dented her chances.
Vaishnavi attempted a late fightback, breaking Aunchisa in the seventh game to stay within reach at 3-4. However, Aunchisa stayed composed under pressure, saving two break points while serving for the match before sealing victory when Vaishnavi netted a backhand.
India now look to Sahaja Yamlapalli, who faces Patcharin Cheapchandej in the second singles, with the hosts needing a win to remain alive in the tie.
– Ends
