In-form Yuki seeks French Open high
NEW DELHI: Yuki Bhambri has enough reasons to be excited as he gears up to compete in his maiden French Open, starting May 21.
Clay may not be his favourite surface but Yuki says he is carrying his best form in a Grand Slam and eager to cause a few upsets. In the past, he has played in the Australian Open main draw thrice.
The 25-year-old is in a riproaring form this year and had a few top scalps, including that of Lucas Pouille, at Indian Wells and Miami, the two Masters 1000 event he qualified for.
Having reached closer to top100 in rankings, Yuki made a last-minute dash to ensure a direct entry into the main draw of French Open. A timely title at $150,000 Santaizi Challenger in Chinese Taipei ticked the box and helped him reach his career-best ranking of 83.
“I am very happy to get a good start to the year. I need to maintain it. I know I am going into the French Open with a lot of matches behind me.
“This is the best form that I am carrying into a Grand Slam tournament and it just gives me that confidence to take on the higher-ranked players,” said Yuki, who is currently competing in Busan Challenger.
“Clay is not my favourite sur- face but I am not thinking about it. I am hoping for a little bit of luck in the draw and want to go all out, giving my best. I would be looking forward to cross a few rounds and enjoy myself,” says Yuki, with confidence oozing from his voice.
From Busan, Yuki will reach Paris a week in advance to get ready for the challenge. He will have his travelling coach Ste- phen Koon with him. “Having a coach by your side makes a big difference. He can help you strategise against top players and rectify your mistakes then and there.”
Always a fine talent, injuries have plagued his career and he has rarely managed to play a full season free of niggles. 2015 was a high for Yuki when he broke into the top-100 but then came along tennis elbow and halted his progress.
“Yes, injuries have often put me down. I think earlier I was trying to maintain myself. But now I am physically fitter and with each match I am pushing myself and improving. I am happy with the consistency in performance which was earlier missing,” he said.
Yuki will continue to play the bigger events this year.
“I am not putting any limits on myself this year. I will participate in higher level tournaments and get as many wins as possible. More importantly, I want to enjoy my game.”