Last Thursday, with a unseasonal hot afternoon, with his rainy magic and reeling, Yuki Bhambri sat in his air -conditioned room comfort at his Delhi residence, in a deep conversation with some members of the Roundglass Academy, in a deep conversation, where he recently took a mental role.
After a quick handshake, and an introduction, Yuki asked, “Do you want water, or Nimbu Pani? I want you to start shooting me with your questions.”
“Just the water will be fine,” I replied.
A corner of the room demonstrated its medals and trophies, but it was difficult to remember the men’s doubles trophy, uniquely decorative Dubai Championship in the adjacent corner. It marked the first ATP 500 title of 33 -year -old ATP 500, which he won before Australia’s Alexi Popirin before this March. By the end of that month, Yuki had separated Rohan Bopana, the famous Rohon Bopana, to become India’s new number 1 in the men’s doubles, which climbed on the then career-high ranking of 29.
Now at 22nd, Yuki came close to the second title after Mallorca’s Grass Court reached the Grass Court with American Robert Gallow. But it was earlier this month at the US Open that he built his career standout moment-reached his first Grand Slam semi-finals in dabbles.
Talking to Hindustan Times, Yuki opened about his best slam performance, its importance in an injury-worried career that shifted him to doubles to doubles, and how his partnership with Michael Venus blossomed during the North American Hard-Court swing. There are parts here …
Question: Yuki, congratulations on your US Open performance. This was your best grand slam result in doubles. Can you walk through the feelings felt after that run, and how did it feel to break at this level?
Yuki Bhambari: Thank you. It was a bit bittersweet. Apparently, I was happy to make the semi-finals-it was a success incident for me. I made some third rounds earlier this year, and a Grand Slam was coming, this is where you want to be. This is where you want to show your best tennis. I think both Michael and I really played well together. We did not have the best start to go to American summer, but after much practice, we started executing dramas we wanted. It all came together. And of course, we were very close at the end of making a final. But hopefully, I can give myself more opportunities in the future.
Question: In 33, how important is this result after years of injuries and years of infection from solo to couple? How does this moment compare others in your journey?
Yuki Bhambri: It is almost like a second career. I always like to say that I had a good single career, and now, for the last three years, I am playing a couple. I am hoping that there will also be a good, tall, successful career here. Every year, I think I am progressing – with ranking and with my tennis. The results indicate that, and I am rectifying the year -and -half. Hopefully, I can go and eventually India can get some more deep runs in the Grand Slam, perhaps some titles too, and try to push myself as high as I can in the doubles.
Question: You have some different doubles partners this year, but your partnership with Michael Venus has clicked exceptionally well. Do you think this partnership works so well?
Yuki Bhambri: Ideally, you want a partner for the entire season – this is the target and plan of the next year. But due to various situations such as injuries, changing partners and role ranking, it is not easy to find that stability. With Michael, we have known each other for a very long time – we played together 12 or 13 years ago. This familiarity definitely helps. Michael has also been one of the world’s top doubles players for the last six or seven years, so that the experience adds a lot to our team.
Question: The partnership began at the beginning of the North American Hardcourt swing. How did this happen? What was the initial chat in terms of mentality, game plan, or round settings?
Yuki Bhambari: We always knew that we would probably try and play together at some point. This was the first time our rankings had aligned in a way that allowed us to enter the big tournament. We were looking for both partners, so it clicked. At the end of the day, you need a ranking to be able to play the Grand Slam and Masters events – everything is fixed by it. So this was the first time where it fell everywhere. I hope it can turn into a long -term partnership, because I think we can play well together and achieve some big goals in 2026.
Question: Looking at your performance at the US Open, what would you say that there were turns or important moments in your matches that led this career-defying run?
Yuki Bhambri: I think we actually executed well and remained under pressure. Each slam match is so difficult and nerve-creaming. There is a lot of pressure on you, knowing that there are only four grand slams in a year and everyone is trying to live in their best form. To remain calm in those high pressure situations and execute it when it matters was actually the major factors in our run at this time.
Question: This year is a defined for you – with Dubai title and climbing India’s No.1 doubles rankings. How do you reflect on your year so far?
Yuki Bhambari: I would say that it is a year of stages. I had a really good hard court season in January and February. The soil season was not very good, so there is definitely place for improvement. But the way the ranking has shaped, and clearly there is ecstasy about winning Dubai and creating a semi -finals of a slam. I have been quite consistent in major events, but I still think more space for improvement. If I can build on it, I am confident that I can move even further.
Question: To take Rohan Bopana to number 1 place – does it look like a huge responsibility?
Yuki Bhambri: I don’t think it is a huge responsibility. We are always doing good Indian players, and I am sure many more will knock at the door, which I definitely expect. You already put a lot of pressure on yourself to perform, so it is an additional bonus. Rohan has set a very high benchmark for all of us and mentioned most of India’s doubles players. There is still a lot to learn from him – even though he is not the current number 1, he is one of the greatest players ever.
Question: With this historical achievement behind you, what are the goals for the rest of 2025? How do you plan to continue this speed?
Yuki Bhambari: There are still some tournaments left- I have some indoor programs in Europe coming in October. Hopefully, we can continue speed, execute our plans well, and use it as a preparation of 2026. We are still searching for our feet and finding a lot of things. The indoor surface will be a different kind of challenge, so it will be a great test for us – to see where we are and how we manage our expectations.
Question: How important is the roundglass academy in your career, especially during this US Open run?
Yuki Bhambri: They are absolutely important in helping me reach where I am. I have worked with his director, who is also my coach -Editya Sachdeva – because I was 12 or 13 years old. When he moved to Chandigarh, it gave me a chance to join with Gol Glass. It is very beneficial-taking training there with the level of tier. In addition, being around young players allows me to contribute to my experience. Some children are quite promising – they are doing well in juniors, and we have also found Karman Singh in the Davis Cup team. Hopefully, they can use that setup and give high push in the ranking. India certainly need some more top singles players.
Question: You have also infected in a mentor. How has this experience been for you, and what does it mean to guide the next generation?
Yuki Bhambari: I really enjoy it quite a lot – I think it naturally comes to me. Perhaps I have been impressed by fellow athletes that I have seen. Wherever I am, I try to give back as much as possible. Tennis has given me a lot, and I think it is my responsibility to pass it. I always say that my door is open – for children to come and ask questions. I hope they will not make the same mistakes while growing up. I know how valuable it would have been for me if I had a roadmap. Athletes played at the highest level need to share their experiences so that the next generation can learn from it and make their way.
