Yuki Bhambri admits he lost against a better player in Dusan Lajovic

Yuki Bhambri couldn’t match up to Dusan Lajovic in the first match on Friday

Bangalore, Sep 12 (IANS) 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."