Hall of Fame Open: Ramkumar Ramanathan loses first ATP final as Steve Johnson wins Newport title

Ramkumar Ramanathan failed to end India's wait for ATP men's singles title as he lost to Steve Johnson in the Hall of Fame Classic grass court tournament in Newport, Rhode Island on Sunday. 

The third seeded American beat the Indian 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 in the rain-delayed final. It was the first ATP final for Ramanathan. The first set remained on serve for the first 11 games. However, an unforced error put Ramanathan under pressure and Johnson capitalised to take the set.

The big-serving Ramanathan was more agressive in the second set and broke Johnson early to take the set. However, the American dominated the third set to win his fourth career ATP title.

23-year-old Ramanathan is the third-lowest ranked player to reach a ATP final this year. Ranked 161st in the world, he aimed to become the first Indian ATP titlist since Leander Paes was victorious at the same tournament two decades ago.

“I am going to keep going, giving my best, and next time I am going to win the title,” he said after the match.

Ramkumar had defeated America’s Tim Smyczek 6-4, 7-5 on Saturday to book his place in the final, becoming the first Indian since Somdev Devvarman to play an ATP final.

Ramkumar Ramanathan is now edging closer to breaking in the top 100. Ramanathan may jump 46 places to 115 on Monday when the ATP rankings are updated.