Yuki savours first title abroad

Bhambri,who returned from injury to claim the National tennis championships two weeks back,won his first title abroad with the ITF futures event in Nigeria on Sunday. And he is clear that this victory ranks high in his long list of achievements. “It was really special to defeat a top-ranked player and win a Grand Slam title in the juniors and it does rank high for me. But this win is something I really wanted so much,specially after having won at home. I am keen to repeat my performances at the senior level what I managed to do in the juniors and this win is a very important step for me,” he told Sportline from Lagos.

The 19-year-old World no. 479 is still coming to terms with the rigours of playing the pro circuit. “The senior circuit is so very different from the juniors. Even though there was a lot of travel earlier also but being among the senior players and playing in completely different conditions,away from the comfort of home,is something I am still coming to terms with. That’s why winning away at the senior level is something I have been wanting for a long time now,ever since I progressed from the juniors,” he says.

For the 19-year-old who has been among tennis players from the beginning — sisters Ankita and Sanaa have both been national champions — travelling around the world for competitions has been a way of life but it still feels different for him now. “In juniors,you are a kid and life is different. In the pro circuit,the competitiveness is far more,and there is no leeway for your age or anything. I am still learning,and hopefully will keep climbing the rankings,” he adds.

About the knee and ankle injury that kept him out of action for several months earlier this year,Yuki says he has completely recovered. “I am feeling absolutely fit and fine and feel great getting back on the court. The national championships were a good test for my fitness and now I am completely recovered,” he says.

The ranking points from the Lagos win will push him back into the top-400 in the world and with a few more events left in this season — one beginning in Lagos on Tuesday and a couple more in India — Yuki is looking forward to ending the season on a high at home. “Hopefully this winning streak will continue and I am looking to break into the 300s by the year end; maybe even closer to 250. If that happens,it will be a great motivation to kickstart the next season,” he signs off.