Bhambri and Melichar-Martinez Fall in Tight Mixed Doubles Opener at Australian Open 2026
Yuki Bhambri and Nicole Melichar-Martinez came agonizingly close to advancing in the Australian Open mixed doubles, falling 4-6, 6-7(3) to Tim Puetz and Shuai Zhang in a hard-fought first-round encounter. The match remained competitive throughout, with both pairs trading quality holds before Puetz and Zhang edged ahead in the decisive moments.
The first set went to the German-Chinese duo after a crucial break, while the second couldn’t be separated in regulation. In the tiebreak, Puetz and Zhang raised their level, racing to a 7-3 finish that sealed the contest.
Bhambri’s delivery held up well throughout, while Melichar-Martinez was sharp at the net. The Indo-American pair created opportunities and held serve consistently, never allowing the match to drift away. Neither team gave away cheap points, but when the pressure peaked, Puetz and Zhang—both former Doubles Top 10 players—had the experience and composure to deliver in the crucial exchanges.
