Mallorca: Indian tennis player Yuki Bhambri claimed his first-ever title on the ATP World Tour by securing the doubles trophy at the Mallorca Championships alongside his South African partner Lloyd Harris. The duo emerged victorious in the final of the grass court event, defeating the Dutch-Austrian pair of Robine Hasse and Philipp Oswald with a commanding 6-3, 6-4 scoreline.
In a remarkable display of skill and teamwork, Bhambri sealed the match with a forehand winner that sailed between the two opposing players, prompting a joyous celebration as he raised his arms in triumph. Reflecting on their achievement, Bhambri expressed his excitement about winning the tournament on grass and highlighted the rarity of not dropping a single set in doubles competition on this surface. He also acknowledged the contribution of his partner, Harris, who had been delivering exceptional performances in singles matches.
Approaching his 31st birthday, Bhambri's ranking is set to improve significantly following this victory, with a career-best position of 58 expected. Having faced setbacks in his singles career due to injuries, Bhambri made the strategic decision to transition to doubles play in order to prolong his time in professional tennis. Previously, he had predominantly teamed up with fellow Indian player Saketh Myneni, achieving success by clinching two Challenger titles this season in Nonthaburi and Girona.
While Myneni opted to take a break and did not participate in the Mallorca Championships, Bhambri revealed that he will reunite with his Indian partner for the upcoming Wimbledon Championships. With this recent triumph under his belt, Bhambri expressed optimism for more titles in the future, emphasizing the importance of taking each match as it comes and maintaining their performance at the highest level.
The victory at the Mallorca Championships not only marks a significant milestone in Bhambri's career but also demonstrates the promising potential of Indian tennis players on the international stage. As Bhambri looks forward to his birthday, he can celebrate both his personal achievements and the bright prospects that lie ahead in his tennis journey.
(WIth Inputs From PTI)