Yuki Bhambri and Andre Goransson wasted no time asserting superiority at the Australian Open, dispatching wild cards James Duckworth and Cruz Hewitt 6-3, 6-4 in a brisk 57-minute affair to advance in men’s doubles. The 10th-seeded team’s serving masterclass propelled them comfortably into round two.
Key to their win was impenetrable service holds: four clean games per set, with minimal points leaked. Strategic breaks in the eighth and seventh games respectively turned the tide irreversibly, frustrating the local pair’s efforts.
The bracket sets up an intriguing second-round matchup against the survivors of Gonzalez-Pel versus Melo-Romboli. This follows their standout US Open semifinal last season, and Bhambri’s fond memories from Melbourne in 2014 fuel expectations.
Bhambri isn’t done yet – he’s also entered mixed doubles with US star Nicole Melichar-Martinez, the 2018 Wimbledon winner. Their opener pits them against sixth seeds Zhang Shuai and Tim Puetz on Thursday.
On a contrasting note, Indian hopes dimmed elsewhere as Niki Poonacha and Pruchya Isaro bowed out 7-6(3), 7-5 to Spain’s Martinez-Munar.
This victory positions Bhambri as a dark horse in doubles, where his all-court game and Goransson’s net prowess could unsettle top seeds. With the Australian Open in full swing, all eyes are on this dynamic duo’s next steps.