In a career-defining performance, India’s Yuki Bhambri and his New Zealand partner Michael Venus have advanced to the semifinals of the US Open men’s doubles event. The Indo-Kiwi duo defeated 11th seeds Nikola Mektic and Rajeev Ram in a thrilling quarterfinal match with a score of 6-3, 6-7(8), 6-3. This marks Bhambri’s first-ever Grand Slam semifinal appearance, a remarkable achievement for the 33-year-old.
For Bhambri, a former junior world No. 1, this result is a culmination of years of hard work and perseverance after a long battle with injuries and a successful transition from singles to doubles. This victory is not only a personal breakthrough but also continues India’s rich legacy in men's doubles, following in the footsteps of legends like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Rohan Bopanna.
The quarterfinal clash on Court 17 was a tense affair with both teams fighting for every point. Bhambri and Venus started strong, securing an early break to take the first set. However, Mektic and Ram fought back in the second, breaking Bhambri’s serve and forcing a tie-break, which they ultimately won to level the match. The deciding third set saw both teams trade blows, but it was Bhambri and Venus who broke through in a pivotal eighth game, taking a decisive 5-3 lead.
Serving for the match, Venus faced immense pressure, going down 0-40. However, the Indo-Kiwi pair showcased nerves of steel, saving all three break points and two more before finally sealing the victory when Ram’s return found the net. The win is the second straight upset for the pair, who had previously knocked out the fourth-seeded duo of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in the round of 16.
Bhambri and Venus will now face the sixth-seeded British pair of Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski for a spot in the final. When asked about his feelings after the win, Bhambri stated, "It’s nerve-wracking, nothing good going on in the head. It was a really tough match. Our opponents made it extremely difficult for us with their vast experience as multiple Grand Slam champions." A win in the semifinal would be a dream come true for Bhambri, bringing him one step closer to his goal of winning a Grand Slam title.
