Did Yuki Bhambri Reach His First Grand Slam Semi-Final?
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Synopsis
Yuki Bhambri makes history at the U.S. Open! Partnering with Michael Venus, he reaches his first Grand Slam semifinal, showcasing resilience and skill. Can they continue their remarkable journey? Find out how they triumphed against the odds.
Key Takeaways
- Yuki Bhambri reaches his first-ever Grand Slam semifinal.
- Partnered with Michael Venus, they upset the 11th seeds.
- Significant achievement following past injuries and transitions.
- Adds to India's legacy in men’s doubles tennis.
- Next match against sixth-seeded Brits awaits.
New York, Sep 4 (NationPress) Yuki Bhambri from India has made history by advancing to his inaugural Grand Slam semifinal, partnering with New Zealand's Michael Venus to secure a place in the U.S. Open men's doubles final four.
The Indo-Kiwi duo achieved a remarkable upset against the 11th-seeded team of Nikola Mektic and Rajeev Ram, winning a challenging match with scores of 6-3, 6-7(8), 6-3 during their quarterfinal encounter on Court 17 on Wednesday.
This achievement is a significant milestone for the 33-year-old Bhambri, who was once the junior world No. 1 and clinched the 2009 Australian Open boys’ title. He has now recorded his best performance at a senior Grand Slam, overcoming persistent injuries and transitioning from singles to doubles, culminating in this major semifinal appearance - a true breakthrough.
The duo's accomplishment contributes to India’s rich legacy in men’s doubles, following in the footsteps of tennis icons such as Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Rohan Bopanna.
During their quarterfinal match, Bhambri and Venus took an early lead, highlighted by a sharp return winner from Bhambri that gave them a 3-1 advantage. Despite Venus facing pressure in the subsequent game, he managed to hold serve, and they secured the first set with a confident volley winner from Bhambri on Ram’s return.
However, the second set saw a change in momentum when Bhambri dropped his serve early, allowing Mektic and Ram to get back into the match. They leveled the set at 4-4, but the Indo-Kiwi team ultimately lost the set in a tightly contested tiebreak, with Bhambri double-faulting on set point.
In the deciding set, Bhambri showcased resilience, saving a crucial break point early on. When Mektic served at 4-3, the 11th seeds faltered. A double fault at deuce and a brilliant angled backhand from Bhambri secured the decisive break. Venus faced a challenging situation while serving for the match, initially falling behind 0-40, but the duo saved five break points, sealing the match when Ram’s return clipped the net.
Looking ahead, Bhambri and Venus will face the sixth-seeded British pair of Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski for a chance to reach the final, aiming to continue their fairytale run.
Previously, they had eliminated the fourth-seeded team of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in the pre-quarterfinals.
Point of View
I believe Bhambri's achievement is a testament to his perseverance and the rich history of Indian tennis. His journey embodies the spirit of resilience, inspiring countless young athletes across the nation.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Yuki Bhambri defeat to reach the semifinals?
Yuki Bhambri and Michael Venus defeated the 11th-seeded duo of Nikola Mektic and Rajeev Ram in their quarterfinal match.
What is Yuki Bhambri's previous best performance in Grand Slam events?
Yuki Bhambri's previous best performance in Grand Slam events was reaching the quarterfinals before this achievement.
Who are some notable Indian players in men's doubles tennis?
Notable Indian players in men's doubles tennis include Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Rohan Bopanna.
What challenges has Yuki Bhambri faced in his career?
Yuki Bhambri has faced persistent injuries and a transition from singles to doubles throughout his career.
Who will Bhambri and Venus face next in the U.S. Open?
Bhambri and Venus will face the sixth-seeded British pair of Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski in the semifinals.
