Yuki Bhambri qualifies for Australian Open main draw
Yuki Bhambri has qualified for his third Australian Open main draw after defeating Canada’s Peter Polansky in the final qualifying round. Ramkumar Ramanathan, however, missed out on his maiden Grand Slam appearance after losing to Vasek Pospisil in the final qualifying round of the Australian Open.
India’s number one singles player, Yuki Bhambri has qualified for his third Australian Open main draw in four attempts. He defeated Canada’s Peter Polansky 1-6 6-3 6-3 in the third and final qualifying round which lasted for 1 hour and 55 minutes. Bhambri, who was junior world number one, had won Australian Open boys singles title in 2009 and has played only at this Grand Slam in the main draw since turning professional.
"I don't know what makes me play better here. Maybe the conditions suit me or I am just familiar with it because I have played here before." PTI quoted the 25-year-old saying after he won his final qualifying round.
He lost to Andy Murray (6-3, 6-4, 7-6) and Tomas Berdych (7-5, 6-1, 6-2) in 2015 and 2016 respectively in his previous two outings at the first Grand Slam of the year. He expressed his happiness of qualifying for his favorite Grand Slam and is also hoping for a better draw this time around.
"I am hoping for a better draw of course. I am hoping that I can win a few rounds in the main draw," said Bhambri.
Ramkumar Ramanathan missed out his maiden Grand slam appearance after losing to Canada’s Vasek Pospisil (6-4, 4-6, 6-4) in the final qualifying round of the 2018 Australian Open