Yuki Bhambri etched a gritty chapter in Australian Open 2026 history, propelling himself and partner Andre Goransson to the men’s doubles third round with a 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-3 upset over Santiago Gonzalez and David Pel amid Melbourne’s brutal heat.
The match, paused by extreme weather policy at 2-2 in set two, tested endurance. Bhambri’s serve faltered initially, costing the opener, but flawless service holds and tie-break mastery flipped the script. Decisive breaks in the final set underscored their dominance.
At ATP doubles No. 22, Bhambri revives memories of his 2014 third-round run with Michael Venus and builds on last year’s US Open semifinal glory. With Balaji’s elimination, he’s India’s sole survivor.
Balaji, partnering Neil Oberleitner as alternates, dazzled in round one by ousting champions Herbert and Thompson but crumbled 7-5, 6-1 against fourth seeds Arevalo-Pavic.
Bhambri’s advance signals rising Indian doubles strength, blending experience with unyielding fight in tennis’s toughest arena.