How Does Yuki Bhambri Embrace His US Open Experience While Honoring India’s Sporting Heritage?

New York, Sep 2 (NationPress) Indian tennis sensation Yuki Bhambri expressed his immense pride in representing his nation at the US Open, sharing aspirations of clinching a Grand Slam title, along with a heartfelt passion for cricket, Bollywood, and Indian cuisine.

On Monday, Bhambri teamed up with New Zealand's Michael Venus to advance to the pre-quarterfinals of the US Open 2025 men's doubles in New York. In a competitive match lasting an hour and twenty-five minutes at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre, the fourth-seeded duo achieved an upset against the unseeded pairing of Gonzalo Escobar from Colombia and Miguel Ángel Reyes-Varela from Mexico, winning 6-1, 7-5.

Expressing his feelings about competing at such a prestigious event, Bhambri stated, “Stepping onto the Grand Slam stage is always significant. I have had the honor of sharing this platform with numerous fellow Indians, and our country boasts a rich tennis tradition with legendary figures like Vijay Amritraj, Ramesh Krishnan, Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Rohan Bopanna. The greatest pressure is often self-imposed, as I strive to perform my best every time I step onto the court. Representing India is a privilege, and I cherish each moment, particularly here at the US Open. I am thrilled to advance and eager to see how far we can go,” he shared.

On competing at the highest level, Bhambri added, “I don’t know if you fully grasp the magnitude, but I aim to give my best. We play on the grandest stage, and not everyone has the chance to compete at a Grand Slam. I feel fortunate to experience this. Having played singles before, now I’m engaged in doubles, and it’s joyous to play alongside a friend. It makes the experience much more enjoyable to share this journey with someone you know well. It’s exhilarating to represent your country too.”

Venus and Bhambri, ranked as India’s top men's doubles player at world No. 32, broke their opponents’ serve twice, quickly taking a 3-0 lead before closing the first set at 6-1.

In the second set, Escobar and Reyes-Varela put up a stronger resistance, yet Bhambri and Venus managed to maintain their composure, securing a 7-5 victory to progress to the round of 16.

Like many athletes, Bhambri dreams of lifting a major trophy. “It’s a dream for everyone holding a tennis racket. When you step out there, that’s the goal. Watching my idols Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi win the US Open and Wimbledon inspired me to pick up a racket. Achieving a Grand Slam is what we all strive for, and we hope to achieve that one day,” he remarked.

Offering encouragement to young Indian tennis players, Bhambri highlighted the importance of patience and passion. “I would advise them to work hard and enjoy the journey. Tennis is a lengthy pursuit. It’s not about perfection right away but about cultivating a long-lasting career. Work hard, enjoy the process, and it’s possible to make a living doing something you love,” he said.

Outside of tennis, Bhambri admitted that cricket remains his first love. “I don’t know any Indian who isn’t a cricket fan. It’s one of the first sports we play as children. If I weren’t a tennis player, I’d probably be out there hitting sixes. I closely follow the Indian cricket team and watch every match, supporting Mumbai in the IPL,” he added.

Next up, Bhambri and Venus will face the fourth-seeded German duo of Tim Puetz and Kevin Krawietz.