Daijiworld Media Network - New York

New York, Sep 4: India’s Yuki Bhambri reached a career-defining milestone on Wednesday, storming into his first-ever Grand Slam semifinal at the U.S. Open men’s doubles alongside New Zealand’s Michael Venus. The unseeded Indo-Kiwi pair pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the 11th-seeded team of Nikola Mektic and Rajeev Ram in a thrilling three-set encounter: 6-3, 6-7(8), 6-3 on Court 17.

For 33-year-old Bhambri, a former junior world No. 1 and 2009 Australian Open boys' champion, this marks a significant breakthrough in his professional career—one that has seen numerous injury setbacks and a gradual shift from singles to doubles. His semifinal appearance in a Grand Slam now places him among India’s elite in the discipline, following the footsteps of legends like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Rohan Bopanna.

Quarterfinal Drama: Momentum Swings and Nerve-Holding

Bhambri and Venus started strong, breaking early in the first set. A sharp return winner by Bhambri on Mektic’s serve gave them a 3-1 lead, and Venus held serve under pressure to consolidate the advantage. The set was sealed with a crisp volley winner from Bhambri, who looked composed and confident at the net.

The second set, however, tested their resilience. Bhambri dropped serve early, letting Mektic and Ram back into the match. The set eventually went to a tense tiebreak, where Bhambri’s double fault on set point handed the 11th seeds a lifeline.

But in the decider, the Indo-Kiwi duo held their nerve. Bhambri saved a critical break point in the third game and then returned brilliantly at 4-3 on Mektic’s serve to secure the decisive break. Venus, serving for the match, found himself down 0-40, but the pair saved five break points to eventually clinch the win, helped by Ram’s return clipping the net on match point.

A Fairytale Run Continues

This memorable win follows their earlier triumph over the fourth-seeded German pair Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in the Round of 16. Now, Bhambri and Venus are set to face the sixth-seeded British duo of Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski in the semifinals, aiming to continue their dream run in New York.

For Bhambri, this is more than just a personal milestone—it's a reminder of his grit, transformation, and perseverance. His success also brings renewed attention to India’s enduring presence in global men’s doubles tennis.

With momentum, belief, and experience now on their side, Bhambri and Venus are just one win away from their first Grand Slam final.