“Happy to Pull It Out in Straight Sets” – Yuki Bhambri on Miami 2nd round win
Yuki Bhambri and Nuno Borges entered the quarter-final of the prestigious Miami Masters doubles event after a 7-6(4) 6-2 win over the experienced Jamie Murray and Adam Pavlasek.
Bhambri caught up with ITD after the match to share his thoughts.
Q) Thoughts on the win
YB – Tough one again, like every other match in the Masters series. You have to go one match at a time. Today was another tough one. But happy to be able to pull it out in straight sets.
Q) What was the game plan coming in and what were the key moments today?
YB – A lot of the players have now played each other a bunch of times throughout the year. I have played Jamie (Murray) a couple of times. Won some, lost some. He is a veteran on the Tour. I have known him for a long time now, both of us started with singles and later transitioned to doubles. He is a very good ball striker. When you are playing with different partners, like I have been, you have to just focus on yourself and try the best you can – serve better, return better, volley better, take care of my side of the court. I have a very good partner, so I have to worry about just my side of the court.
Q) Thoughts on beating Bopanna in Round 1
YB – Very tough. Unfortunately, we had to meet so early. He’s someone I have always looked up to. He has helped Indian doubles players a lot, and continues to do so, including myself. I always reach out to him. He is always gracious and shares his advice. Very grateful. It was close, we were just a few points away from losing the match. Just happy to be able to keep going and keep doing well.
Q) How did your pairing with Nuno Borges happen?
YB – It’s about getting entry into these events. He’s ranked pretty high in singles. He was looking for a partner. I saw he played in Doha with Rohan (Bopanna). He is a good singles player, and plays good doubles as well. I knew he was looking, so I just reached out to him. He was gracious enough to accept.
Q) Who will you be partnering in the clay season?
YB – I don’t know yet. I will focus on this tournament first. Will check the deadlines. And will take a call once this tournament ends and see where the rankings are.
