The better player won: Bhambri

Rueing the host of unforced errors and missed opportunities, Indian tennis player Yuki Bhambri conceded that he lost to a better and more consistent player in Dusan Lajovic, who gave Serbia a 1-0 lead with a 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 win in the Davis Cup World Group play-off tie here Friday.

Bhambri admitted that he had his chances at least to make a fight of it if not win the match, but for the many unforced errors, especially on his forehand.

"The Serb was a bit tentative at the start but in the first set it could have been 4-4 instead of 5-3 in his favour as I committed some errors and wasted a breakpoint. I did not mix my shots and perhaps, should have played more of the chip and spin but he was a better player today," said Bhambri.

Stating that he was a bit "tight" early on before gaining confidence, Lajovic said the match could have gone the other way had Bhambri utilised the opportunities, especially in the first set.

"I was a bit tight in the first set which he could have won but after I took the first I began to play well and with more confidence. The two service breaks in the second gave me a 2-0 advantage but he began to play well in the third and I was under pressure, trailing 1-4," said Lajovic.

"But still, I knew that he will be tight serving and I started putting more balls in play. I took my chances and won."