Chennai Open ATP Challenger 2025: “I can play long matches”, says Kirkin after confidence boosting victory

Chennai Open ATP Challenger 2025: “I can play long matches”, says Kirkin after confidence boosting victory

Ergi Kirkin of Turkey expressed increased confidence in his ability to endure long matches and perform well under pressure following his walkover win, 6(7)-7, 7-6(3), against Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic on Wednesday in the first round of the Chennai Open ATP Challenger at the SDAT tennis stadium here.

Despite a grueling Davis Cup weekend in Istanbul, featuring lengthy singles and doubles matches, Kirkin had to quickly adjust to new weather and court conditions upon arrival. Kirkin and Vesely battled it out for approximately two hours and fifteen minutes before Vesely retired. Kirkin dropped the first set, but rallied to win the second, both sets decided by tie-breaks. He then had to immediately turn around and played a doubles match later the same day.

“I was happy with the mental fight I gave, because it was not easy after losing such a long set. On Saturday, I was in a Davis Cup tie in Istanbul and I won a match 7-5, 5-7, 7-5. I also played a three-set doubles match the next day.

“I flew through Sunday night to arrive here on Monday morning. Also, it was 10-15 degrees there, while it’s 30 degrees here. So, it was tough. And I had to switch from indoor to outdoor (court). So, I was happy with how I had adapted today.

“For sure, it gives me confidence to win a match like this – that I can play long matches and come good under pressure moments,” said the 26-year-old.