American dream on for Yuki

Yuki Bhambri, 25 has been a Junior World Champion and fourth Indian to win Junior Grand Slam. This interview is following his utopian run to last 8 of Citi Open in Washington D.C., defeating World No. 22 and defending champion Gael Monfils (GM).

Question: How do you feel coming back to this level and getting the wins against Monfils, an ATP Top 25 player and Guido Pella, an ATP Top 100 singles player?

Yuki Bhambri: Great! As it was a great tournament; and it is especially important to have a good run and play top players whom I have. Hopefully, it has given me good momentum for the upcoming U.S. Open.

Q: It has been a tough road for you after your injury, but you look sharper and stronger. What made the difference, and where do you see yourself in the coming six months?

YB: Injury has been a major drawback, having hampered my progress. Yet, I believe I have become stronger and better player, improving over the years. The idea is to take care and understand my body better to be in the Top 100 sooner, and compete in Grand Slams.

Q: As you know, Indians are doing very well in the Doubles, with 5 of them within ATP 100 doubles ranking. You have been at the top in Singles, playing the Grand Slams. What do you think we need to help more Indians reach the level you are in?

YB: We have always been better in the Doubles, having a good hand-eye co-ordination. We are doing better in Singles too now with two players in the top 200 ATP ranking and have about 3-4 players in qualifying. Having more competitions will certainly help any further prospects; as we have seen Indians reach the finals whenever India has hosted challenger events.